40,000 Indians evacuated due to cyclone Laila
0 
Indian authorities have evacuated more than 40,000 people from the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh as Cyclone Laila approaches the southern state, a senior government official said Thursday.
"Already the Andhra Pradesh coast is being battered by high tides and fierce winds. Even though the windfall is expected only in the evening, the waves and the winds have already caused extensive damage in coastal districts, where trees have been uprooted, cars smashed and roads damaged. Communication and power supplies have also been disrupted and air and train services have come to a halt," the official said.
However, cyclonic storm Laila is showing signs of weakening before hitting the seashore, said Indian meteorological officials, according to whom the cyclone is expected to cross the coast between Kavali and Kakinada, close to Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh by Thursday afternoon.
Local TV reports said that three people have been killed in the district. However, there was no official confirmation on this.
Earlier, at least 10 people were killed since Wednesday in incidents caused by heavy rainfalls in the state, said Indo-Asian News Service.
The Indian Meteorological Department said that Laila remained " practically stationary" and lay centered some 200 km south off Machilipatnam coast. "The system is showing signs of weakening due to increase of wind shear and land interaction," India Meteorological Department said in its latest bulletin Thursday morning.
Government officials in Andhra Pradesh said collectors have already begun to evacuate people since early morning with vehicles and helicopters.
"The Navy, Army and also the Central government is going to help us. Apart from helicopters, they wanted some power boats as well. Arrangements are being made," said Geeta Reddy, Minister for Information and Tourism of Andhra Pradesh.
In the Indian national capital, Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony told the media that the armed forces were always ready to help the civil administration whenever they are in distress.
"Whatever help is needed from the Navy and the other armed forces, we will extend," he said.
Another Indian state Tamil Nadu has come under heavy rains since Wednesday due to the strong impact of Laila.
State government has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea off the sensitive coasts as the waves are expected to be very high.
Go to Forum >>0 Comments