AP cyclone: 52,000 people evacuated in Srikakulam

SRIKAKULAM: As many as 52,000 locals were today evacuated and 25,000 people accommodated in cyclone shelters in Srikakulam district in view of cyclcone Phailin which is expected to cross the shore by this evening.

"In addition to the Naval and Coast Guard forces, five teams of National Disaster Relief Force are also ready to swing into action in case of an emergency," a senior official told PTI.

Naval and Coast Guard services have been kept on standby in case of emergency.

BSF and CRPF personnel, who are already assisting the local administration in view of the Seemandhra agitation, have also be called in case of emergency, the official added.

Winds with a speed of 100-160 km per hour are expected to blow in the parts of the East Coast including Orissa by this evening when the cyclone crosses the coast.

Vizianagaram collector Kantilal Dande said 10,000 to 15,000 people living in vulunerable areas are being evacuated and they are monitoring the situation on a minute-to-minute basis.

People living in 25 villages are expected to be affected during the cyclone.