Huge waves lash coastal AP

The coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, especially Nellore, Prakasam, parts of Guntur and Krishna, where high tides were lashing villages have been put on high alert as the deep depression that lay centered between Chennai and Nagapattinam is expected to turn into a cyclone by Wednesday. 

Met officials forecast heavy winds with a speed ranging from 45-55 kmph are expected under the impact of cyclone Nilam.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who was on a tour of Medak district in Telangana, directed Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy and Chief Secretary Minnie Mathew over the phone to closely monitor the situation and take all precautionary measures.

Speaking to press, Revenue minister N Raghuveera Reddy said he had directed the collectors concerned to undertake rescue and relief operations wherever necessary, but said that the impact might not be severe in Andhra Pradesh. However, a third warning signal has been issued in Krishnapatnam, Vadarevu, and Machilipatnam and Nizampatnam ports.

Control rooms were opened in state Secretariat here and headquarters of coastal districts, particularly Nellore and Prakasam, which are expected to have considerable impact of the cyclone.