In Andhra Pradesh, the administration is fully geared up to face the severe cyclonic storm Helen over west- central Bay of Bengal which is likely to hit southern Andhra coast close to Machilipatnam in Krishna District this afternoon. The system lay centred at about 140 km east of Machilipatnam.

Since yesterday rain has been lashing the Andhra coast,intensifying further since the night.Under the influence of the system, Guntur, Krishna, West and East Godavari districts may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours.

Heavy rainfall is also forecast for parts of Telangana and Rayalaseema districts with high velocity winds across the coast. The District Collectors have been asked to warn people about the likelihood of flash floods in streams and rivulets due to heavy rain. An emergency control room has been opened in Krishna District with phone numbers 08672-252572 and 08672-251077. Our correspondent reports that with the threat of large-scale inundation looming large in delta areas of Krishna and Godavari Rivers, the State government had put the administration on alert. Revenue Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy held a videoconference with Collectors of the coastal districts and enquired about the preparedness to tackle the impending calamity. While six teams of the National Disaster Response Force were in position, the State government had requested for more teams besides help from the Army and the Navy for aerial support for rescue and relief operations.

About 450 personnel drafted recently for the State Disaster Management Force would also be available to help in evacuation and relief work. Schools and government offices were closed in Krishna district. People living in low-lying and vulnerable areas have been evacuated to safer places. The coastal district administration has ensured total suspension of fishing operations.