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Vijayawada: Education minister N. Lokesh on Monday directed public representatives to remain in vulnerable constituencies during Cyclone Montha landfall so as to respond immediately to emerging situations.Addressing a review meeting in this regard, he pointed out that the impact of cyclone is expected to be high in parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh. He underlined that under such circumstances, the presence of public representatives on the ground would matter every minute.Lokesh asked MLAs, representatives of local bodies and officials to jointly monitor the situation and ensure that there is no hardship to citizens. He called upon cadres of alliance parties to actively support relief measures based on need.He called for setting up pre-emptive relief camps in coastal and island villages by arranging adequate quantities of food and potable water, and providing basic amenities to the evacuees.The minister underscored the need for issue of department-wise directions to ensure full preparedness for any eventuality. Accordingly, medical and health teams will keep ambulances and medicines ready for emergency use and prevent water borne diseases. Energy department will ensure minimal disruption of power supply. Telecom operators will maintain uninterrupted communication networks. Roads and Buildings, Irrigation and Rural Water Supply departments will keep sandbags, pumps and machinery ready to protect bunds and drain out flood water, especially from agricultural fields.Lokesh called upon all officers to coordinate closely with the RTGS control room, which is monitoring Cyclone Montha related developments round-the-clock. He requested citizens to remain indoors, stay vigilant and follow only government advisories.The minister said, “Government machinery will remain alert 24x7 during Cyclone Montha and its aftermath. It will respond immediately to any requirement in cyclone-affected areas. I call on people to cooperate until the cyclone impact is over.”
