Visakhapatnam District on High Alert as Heavy Rains Expected

Following warnings of heavy rainfall from the weather department, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad held a teleconference with district officials on Thursday morning and issued precautionary instructions to ensure public safety.

The Collector directed that all administrative machinery remain on high alert. District-level officials, field-level VROs, and Panchayat secretaries have been instructed to remain at their headquarters, and no leave will be granted to employees during this period.

Control rooms are being set up in zonal offices, RDOs, and Tahsildar offices to closely monitor the situation. Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea, and those already at sea have been asked to return immediately.

Officials have also been instructed to cover all manholes and ensure sanitation workers clear garbage regularly to prevent drainage blockages. Tree branches should be pruned to reduce the risk of falling trees and damage to power lines. Electric saws, pruners, and staff are to be kept ready to remove fallen trees in case of strong winds.

Pregnant women nearing delivery are advised to reach hospitals in advance. Leaking pipelines must be identified and repaired to prevent contamination of drinking water. Hospitals have been asked to keep essential medicines ready.

Ward secretaries have been instructed to alert residents in hilly areas, and rehabilitation centres are being prepared. The public has been advised to avoid entering dilapidated buildings.

The Collector emphasized that all departments must work in coordination to minimize damage and ensure safety during the heavy rains.