Rescue teams deployed in Andhra to counter cyclone Laila

New Delhi,May 19: The central government has deployed personnel from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with search and rescue equipment as a precautionary measure to tackle possible damage from tropical cyclone Laila, which is likely to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast early Thursday and West Bengal by evening.A home ministry statement said the National Disaster Management Authority has ordered deployment of the disaster management personnel Tuesday itself and the deployment was completed by Wednesday evening. A total of 438 personnel along with 64 inflatable boats were deployed at various locations in six coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh -Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Machilipatnam,Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore. "NDMA deployed NDRF on receipt of cyclonic warning from India Meteorological Department around 5 a.m. Tuesday and subsequent fax message from commissioners and principal secretary, Disaster Management, government of Andhra Pradesh," said the release. According to an IMD official, Laila will move in a northwesterly to northerly direction and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Kakinada,close to Machilipatnam Thursday morning.Widespread rainfall has been forecast over coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 36 hours and in north Tamil Nadu during the next 24 hours. As a precautionary measure to avoid damage from the cyclone, the Reliance Industries has also shut its crude oil and gas production plants from Krishna Godavari basin fields in the Bay of Bengal.
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Over 700 villages in Andhra may be hit by cyclone

Hyderabad,May 19: Over 700 villages in four coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh are likely to be affected by a severe cyclonic storm that is expected to hit the coast Thursday morning, officials said Wednesday.The districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur may bear the brunt of the cyclone Laila, which is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Kakinada close to Machilipatnam. The government released a list of 777 villages which are vulnerable to storm surge as a result of the cyclone, which lay centred at 250 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam. "Storm surge of 1.5 to 2 metres above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate the coastal areas of Guntur, Krishna and West and East Godavari districts at the time of landfall," the India Meteorological Department said. As many as 338 vulnerable villages are in East Godavari district, where the port city of Kakinada is also likely to be affected, the government said. Krishna district has 233 vulnerable villages, Guntur 158 and West Godavari 48 villages. The port city of Machilipatnam is also likely to be hit hard. The authorities have started evacuating people from vulnerable villages and asked people to move to safer places on their own by Wednesday night. District collectors have been told to use police, where necessary, to move people.
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Andhra to forcibly evacuate people from coastal areas

Hyderabad May 19: Facing the spectre of cyclonic storm wreaking havoc in the coastal region, Andhra Pradesh government Wednesday asked the authorities to use force, if necessary, to evacuate people from areas near the coast and from low-lying villages.With barely 12 hours to go before severe cyclonic storm Laila hits its coast, the southern state is gearing up to face any eventuality. Teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have reached the coast while four helicopters have been kept ready for rescue and relief operations. Over 500 personnel of the NDRF with 79 boats have been rushed to Andhra from Orissa and Tamil Nadu, an official said. Nine senior officers were deputed to the nine coastal districts to monitor rescue and relief works, while ministers also rushed to the districts likely to be hit by the cyclone. The storm christened Laila lay centred at 320 km south-southwest of Machilipatnam. "The system is likely to intensify further and move in a northwesterly-to-northerly direction and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Kakinada, close to Machilipatnam by morning of May 20," said the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rains of 25 cm and above and gales with wind speeds of 115-125 km per hour at the time of cyclone's landfall. "Storm surge of 1.5 to 2 metres above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate the coastal areas of Guntur, Krishna and West and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall," the weather office said. The IMD has suggested total suspension of fishing operation, moving coastal hutment dwellers to safer places and advised people in the coastal districts to remain indoors. Strong gales with speeds of 65 to 70 km per hour have been lashing the region since Tuesday night, uprooting trees and damaging electricity and communication towers in some districts, officials said. Districts of Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur are receiving heavy rains since Wednesday morning. Some places received five to 10 cm rainfall. At least 10 people were killed in rain-related incidents like lightning strikes and wall collapses since Tuesday night. Four farmers were also reported missing. Authorities began evacuating people from low-lying areas in all nine districts as a precautionary measure as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains during the next 48 hours. Over 50,000 people have already been evacuated in the coastal districts. People living near the sea shore and the low-lying areas have been asked to move to safe places by Wednesday night. "The government has asked the district collectors to use police, wherever necessary, to evacuate people from low-lying areas," Minister for Information and Public Relations J. Geeta Reddy told reporters. She said six teams of NDRF had reached the coastal region. A member of National Disaster Management Authority said in New Delhi that over 500 personnel of NDRF were rushed to Andhra from Orissa and Tamil Nadu with 79 boats. "The impact of the cyclone on coastal Andhra is likely to be severe and there is an urgent need for everybody to be on high alert," said Marri Shashidhar Reddy, member, National Disaster Management Authority.Seventh warning signal was hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Kalingapatnam,Nizampatnam and Vodarevu ports while fifth signal was raised at Krishnapatnam port. Andhra Pradesh has about 1,000-km-long coast line, which is vulnerable to cyclones, storms and low pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal during September-October every year. Officials said this was the first time in 20 years that the coastal region is facing a cyclonic storm during May.
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Home Secretary Reviews Security at Airports

(PIB NEWS) The Union Home Secretary,Shri G.K.Pillai took a meeting here today to review various security issues concerning airports in the country. Steps relating to biometric access, construction of watch towers, raising of perimeter walls, provision of adequate security staff, installation of CCTV cameras, provision of dog squads and bomb disposal squads, etc. were discussed at the meeting. A time bound action plan was drawn up to enhance security at airports. The Civil Aviation Secretary, Director General of CISF and representatives from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and from Airports Authority of India attended the meeting.

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Public Sector Organisations Express Keenness to Participate in “Saakshar Bharat’

(PIB NEWS) Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development has called upon the PSUs and Public Sector Banks to set out a road map for participation in the ambitious Adult Education Programme “Saakshar Bharat”. He was speaking at an interactive meeting with Heads/Senior Executives of public sector undertakings and banks here today. During the meeting it was decided that the PSUs would give a white paper, to be coordinated by SCOPE to the HRD Ministry within three months, which will elaborate on how the PSUs will support “Saakshar Bharat”, skill development and vocational training. The Paper will focus on a nucleus of 10 to 12 PSUs, a base from which the partnership can take off, which will then be broadened to include more PSUs. The Public Sector Banks will likewise prepare a coordinated proposal for partnership with the HRD Ministry for adult education. This kind of meeting between Public Sector Organisations and a Ministry, for targeted Corporate Social Sector (CSR) efforts was the first of its kind, said Shri Bhaskar Chatterjee, Secretary, Department of Public Sector Enterprises. Also present were Smt. D. Purandeswari, MOS for HRD, Smt. Anshu Vaish, Secretary (School Education & Literacy), Shri Arup Roy Choudhury, Chairman, SCOPE & CMD NBCC and Dr. U.D. Choubey, DG, SCOPE. The Minister called upon the Public Sector Organizations to contribute in terms of their infrastructure, their talent and also financially; regarding which, they said they would give a road map in the next three months. The Minister indicated that as regards financial contribution, the organizations can incentivise monetarily good performing adult education workers who are otherwise doing voluntary work. He suggested that the organizations could use their infrastructure and skill set for training in skill development and vocational courses. He also said that physically, learning material, TVs etc. could be provided by the PSUs and Banks for adult education centres. The Minister underlined that all efforts towards literacy among the young and the non-literate older people could help India be 100 per cent literate by 2020.
On the part of the Public Sector Organisations, they stated that the areas they could help included using existing schools in their campuses which many times are in remote areas as adult education centres during non schools hours, involving spouses to volunteer for teaching especially in remote campuses, and also imparting skill development and vocational training. The banks expressed keenness in participating in adult education as this would support their own efforts for financial inclusion. It was also suggested that a policy can be framed for utilizing e-waste and old furniture through donating it to adult education centres in an organized manner. Saakshar Bharat was launched by the Prime Minister on 8th September, 2009 and has already been rolled out in 167 districts in 26 States. The principal focus of the Mission is on imparting functional literacy to women and other excluded groups like SCs, STs, Minorities etc. in the rural areas. The principal strategy of the department is to achieve universal female literacy in mass campaign mode in which educated adults are encouraged to act as volunteer teachers. (photo by PIB No:CNR 31668)
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Rain in coastal AP, Rayalaseema as Laila nears Visakhapatnam

Hyderabad,May 19: Rain occurred at a few places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema while isolated rain occurred over Telangana due to cyclonic storm Laila, which lay centered about 400 km south of Visakhapatnam.Amarapuram (Anantapur district) recorded 4cm of rainfall, satyavedu and Srikalahasti (both Chittoor districts) recorded 3 cm of rainfall each and Nellore, Tirupati and Bhimavaram (West Godavari districts), Kalyandurg and Penukonda (both Anantapur districts), Puttur (Chittoor district) and Rapur (Nellore district) recorded 2cm each, Met department said today.The maximum temperatures significantly fell at one or two places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and fell at one or two places over Telangana and Rayalaseema. They were above normal at a few places over Telangana and Rayalaseema and normal over Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The highest maximum temperature of 47 degrees Celsius was recorded at Adilabad.Moderate to rather heavy rain/thundershowers would occur at most places over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and may occur over Telangana and Rayalaseema. Heavy to very heavy rain with isolated extremly heavy rain would occur over Coastal Andhra Pradesh and isolated heavy to very heavy rain will occur over Telangana and Rayalaseema during next 48 hours.Spells of rain or thundershowers are likely in the city, with the maximum and minimum temperatures likely to hover around 35 and 22 degrees respectively.
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Heavy rains lash coastal Andhra as cyclone nears the shore

Hyderabad,May 19: Heavy rains with strong gales lashed coastal Andhra region as authorities began evacuation of people from low-lying areas with cyclonic storm Laila intensifying further and heading towards the sea shore.A high alert has been sounded in all nine coastal districts while rescue teams from National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have reached the areas likely to face the fury of the cyclonic storm. The storm christened Laila is likely to cross the Andhra coast Thursday morning between Visakhapatnam and Ongole, said Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre. Strong gales with speed of 65 to 70 km per hour have been lashing the region since Tuesday night, uprooting trees and damaging electricity and communication towers in some districts, officials said. Districts of Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur are receiving heavy rains since Wednesday morning. Some places received five to 10 cm rainfall. Nellore, Prakasam, and some parts of Rayalaseema and Telangana regions are also experiencing rains in the build-up to the cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. At least 10 people were killed in rain-related incidents like lightning strikes and wall collapses since Tuesday night. Four farmers were also reported missing. Authorities began evacuating people from low-lying areas in all nine districts as a precautionary measure as the weather office forecast heavy to very heavy rains during the next 48 hours. The rainfall is expected to be as much as 25 cm while the gale-speed is likely to be 115-125 kmph at the time of the landfall. "Storm surge of 1.5 to 2 metres above the astronomical tide is likely to inundate the coastal areas of Guntur, Krishna and West and East Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh at the time of landfall," warned the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its bulletin. Over 10,000 people have already been evacuated in Visakhapatnam,West Godavari and Krishna districts. People living near the sea shore and the low-lying areas have been asked to move to safe places by Wednesday night. In Krishna district alone, authorities have opened 120 relief camps. In West Godavari district, 100 buses of state-owned Road Transport Corporation have been kept ready for evacuation of people. After a review of the situation here, Chief Minister K. Rosaiah asked his cabinet colleagues to rush to the coastal districts to oversee relief and rehabilitation. "The impact of the cyclone on coastal Andhra is likely to be severe and there is an urgent need for everybody to be on high alert," said Marri Shashidhar Reddy, member, National Disaster Management Authority. The chief minister has asked district collectors to use helicopters, if necessary, for rescue and relief operations. Seventh warning signal was hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Kalingapatnam, Nizampatnam and Vodarevu ports while fifth signal was raised at Krishnapatnam port. Andhra Pradesh has about 1,000-km-long coast line, which is vulnerable to cyclones, storms and low pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal during September-October every year. Officials said this was the first time in 20 years that the coastal region is facing a cyclonic storm during May.
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Laila intensifies, lay centred about 400 km south of Visag

Visakhapatnam,May 19: The cyclonic storm 'Laila' over west central and adjoining south-west Bay of Bengal has intensified and lay centered about 400 km south of Visakhapatnam. According to CWC spokesman here today, the system moving in a north westerly direction would cross between Ongole and Visakhapatnam in the early hours of tomorrow.Under its influence, coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh were experiencing heavy to very heavy rains since this morning. Strong gale winds with a speed reaching 75 to 85 kmph were likely along and off Andhra Pradesh coast. The sea condition would be rough to very rough along and off Andhra coast, the spokesman said.Fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea. Local danger signal nos 3 and 5 were hoisted in all ports of the state.
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State official machinery gears up to tackle cyclone

Hyderabad,May 19: The entire official machinery of Andhra Pradesh has geared up to meet any eventuality in the wake of cyclonic storm 'Laila,' even as the depression over the Bay of Bengal moved closer to the coastal Andhra Pradesh.Chief Minister K Rosaiah, chairing a high-level review meeting today on the situation and the measures to be taken to meet the cyclone asked the officials to monitor the situation round-the-clock. Directing the officials to be alert and take all precautionery measures to save property and lives, Mr Rosaiah said the government would take further measures at a Cabinet meeting today.The State government had asked the Collectors of the coastal districts to advice the fishermen not to venture into the sea during the depression period.The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that cyclone storm 'Laila' would cross the coast between Ongole and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh by tomorrow. In a bulletin last night the IMD said very heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds of speed reaching 65 to 75 kmph would occur in the coastal regions.As heavy rain and strong winds lashed Andhra Pradesh, officials in coastal areas were put on high alert to prevent people from visiting the sea coast.Meanwhile, four fishermen of Thummalapenta coast in Kavali mandal of Nellore district, who ventured into the sea were reportedly missing.
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Missing AP fishermen return safely

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh,May 19: Eight fishermen of Subbampet village, a hamlet of Uppada in Kothapalli mandal, 16 km from here, who were reported missing in the sea off Bhiravapalem while fishing in their country boat, returned safely late last night.They ventured into the sea for fishing on May 16 and were to return by Tuesday afternoon but due to rough weather the fishermen could not return as scheduled. As family members of the fishermen could not gain access to them through cell phones, they get worried about their safety.They met Tahasildar and fisheries department officials and sought assistance to trace them. District Collector M Ravichandra, who visited coastal areas to study the situation in the event of cyclone threat last night, called on the fishermen family members and assured THEM of all help in ensuring safe return of their men folk.
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Andhra Pradesh faces threat of cyclone Laila

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), May 19 : Andhra Pradesh is facing the threat of the cyclonic storm Laila, as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify.The current environmental conditions and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models suggest that the cyclonic storm Laila, is likely to intensify further and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Thursday."Bay of Bengal got in to a cyclonic storm and now it is lay centred at 5.30 hours evening at about 520 kilometers south... It is likely to intensify further and move in a west-northwesterly area direction, and cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Ongole and Visakhapatnam," said V. L. P. Prasad, Director of Cyclone Warning Centre, Visakhapatnam.Under its influence, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall (of 25 cm or more) and extremely heavy isolated rain during the next 48-hours.It has been forecast that gale force winds of 65-75 kilometer per hour may increase to 115-125 kilometer per hour in Andhra Pradesh.Squally winds reaching 50-60 kilometer per hour are also likely to blow along and off the coast of north Tamil Nadu during the next 24 hours.Waves are expected to be very high along and off the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu coastlines.Fishermen have been advised to not venture into the sea off these coasts.
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Cyclone threat; Control rooms opened in Krishna district

Vijayawada,May 19: With the cyclonic storm 'Laila' over southeast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal likely to cross between Ongole and Visakhapatnam by tomorrow afternoon, control rooms have been set up at Krishna District Collectorate in Machilipatnam and in the sub-collector's office here to enable people to contact in the event of exigency.Official sources told UNI here today that control rooms have also been set up at Revenue Divisional offices and Tahsildar offices across the district following an alert from the meteorological department.People could contact the control room phone nos 08672-252399 and 252486, mobile nos: 09908664635 and 9849903982 at Machilipatnam and at the sub-collector office in Vijayawada--0866-2574454 and 2576217.The sources said two battalions of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had reached the district where some of them would be stationed in the city to rescue people, if necessary.Warning signal seven was hoisted at Machilipatnam port yesterday. The Indian Metrological Department (IMD) bulletin said strong winds with a speed of 70 km to 80 kmph was likely along the coast in the district for the next 72 hours and the height of tidal waves was likely to be 1.5 metres.
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Mecca Masjid blast third anniversary passes off

Hyderabad, May 18 : The thirdanniversary of the bomb blast at historic Mecca Masjid here passed off peacefully amid tight security.No untoward incident was reported from any part of the city, police said. The afternoon and evening prayers at the 17th century mosque passed off peacefully as police made elaborate security arrangements. A tight vigil was maintained across the old city after unidentified gunmen killed a policeman last Friday. The motorcycle borne suspected terrorists shot dead the police constable at Shahali Banda, about a km from Mecca Masjid. One policeman was gunned down in a similar fashion by unidentified persons on this day last year. Police suspect involvement of suspected terrorists, who have allegedly vowed revenge for the police firing after the blast three years ago. Nine people were killed in the blast during Friday prayers at the mosque May 18, 2007. Five more persons were killed in the subsequent police firing on protestors outside the mosque. Police are yet to achieve a breakthrough in the blast case. Initially the Bangladesh-based Harkatul Jihad-e-Islami (Huji) was blamed for the attack and some suspects were also picked up. Though the investigations were handed over to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the case has not been cracked even after three year. The government said the case has turned 'cold' as the two primary suspects were killed in an alleged shootout in Pakistan. The case, however, took a new turn early this month with the CBI questioning the members of some Hindu extremist outfits allegedly involved in Ajmer Dargah blast for their role in Mecca Masjid case. Various organisations have demanded fresh probe into the case in view of the revelations. The Bhaskar Rao Commission formed by the Andhra Pradesh government to probe police firing has also not submitted its report even after three years.

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Andhra calls in rescue teams as cyclone threat grows

Hyderabad, May 18: The administration in Andhra Pradesh's coastal region Tuesday went on high alert and National Disaster Response Force was called in for rescue operations as the cyclonic storm Laila intensified and is likely to cross the coast between Visakhapatnam and Ongole early Thursday.Second warning signals have been hoisted at all Andhra ports as the depression over the Bay of Bengal turned into a cyclonic storm and lay centred 550 km south-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It is likely to cross the coast between Ongole and Visakhapatnam by early hours of May 20. "Under the influence of this system, north coastal Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience widespread rainfall with scattered heavy to very heavy falls (25 cms or more) and isolated extremely heavy falls during next 48 hours," said a bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Strong gales with speed reaching 65-75 km an hour are likely to commence along and off Andhra Pradesh coast Tuesday night. It may increase to 115-125 kmph at the time of landfall early Wednesday mroning. Since the sea condition will also be rough, the fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. The state government has called in the National Disaster Response Force from Tamil Nadu and Bhubaneshwar for rescue operations. The force from Bhubaneshwar will be stationed at Visakhapatnam to look after the rescue operations in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari, said a statement from the Chief Minister's Office. The personnel from Arakonam, Tamil Nadu, will be stationed at Vijayawada to look after the rescue operations in the districts of West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore. The official machinery in all the nine coastal districts has been asked to be on high alert. Leave of employees has been cancelled till May 25. Those on leave have been asked to report back immediately. Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Dharmana Prasada Rao told reporters here that the leave of employees, especially in departments like disaster management, revenue, police, fire services, electricity, roads and buildings and Panchayat Raj, has been cancelled. Chief Minister K.Rosaiah directed the district collectors to take all preventive measures to minimise the loss of life and property. He asked them to be ready for evacuating to safer places the people likely to be affected. A sub-committee of top officials will be formed immediately for round-the-clock monitoring of the situation. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has also issued cyclonic storm advisory, asking the state government to keep a close watch and take appropriate precautionary measures. Following the advisory, control rooms have been opened at the state secretariat and at all district headquarters. The chief minister asked the officials to be ready with alternative steps for effective communication in case there is damage to communication network.
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CM alerts official machinery on 'Laila'

Hydeabad, May 18: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today alerted the entire official machinery view in of the deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas moving westwards and intensifying into a cyclonic storm ''Laila''.The Chief Minister reviewed the latest situation with Ministers and officials here and asked the Collectors of the Coastal Districts to advise the fishermen not to venture into sea during this period.The government would take further measures at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow, he said and asked the officials to monitor the situation round-the-clock. He directed them to be very alert during the days and take all precautionary measures to prevent loss to life and property of the people.
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Minister stresses media's role in development of society

Hyderabad, May 18: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information and Public Relations J Geetha Reddy today said the media should play a key role in the development of the society and work as a link between the government and the people.Releasing the handbook on the activities and programmes being taken up by the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy (APPA) here, she said journalists should contribute their might through their writings to create awareness among the people, particularly people in rural areas, about the developmental and welfare schemes of the government.There was no point in taking up welfare schemes if it did not reach the targetted people. Media should play a key role in this regard by educating the people about the schemes, she added. APPA Chairman T. Surender said the Academy would launch several activities for the benefit of journalists and media in the state. He said the academy proposed to help media to create a self-regulatory mechanism to follow ethics and improve the quality of media. Apart from the existing activities of the academy, it was decided to develop an online knowledge centre by making the existing website more meaningful. The academy decided to supply regular useful material to all the mediapersons, particularly journalists in rural and remote areas, he said.
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Andhra on high alert as cyclonic storm intensifies

Hyderabad, May 18: The administration in Andhra Pradesh's coastal region Tuesday went on high alert as the cyclonic storm Laila intensified and is likely to cross the coast near Machilipatnam.Second warning signals have been hoisted at all Andhra ports as the depression over Bay of Bengal turned into a cyclonic storm and lay centred at 690 km southeast of Visakhapatnam. It is likely to cross the coast near the port city of Machilipatnam in Krishna district, about 450 km from here, in about 72 hours. Since the coastal region will experience the impact of the storm from Tuesday night, authorities have sounded a high alert. According to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, strong gales with speeds reaching 65 to 75 km per hour are likely to commence along and off the Andhra coast from Tuesday. The wind speed may further increase as the system moves closer to the coast. Since the sea condition will also be rough, the fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy rain in coastal Andhra from May 19. The impact of the cyclonic storm may continue till May 25. "The system is likely to intensify further and move in a west-northwesterly direction for some more time and then move in a northwesterly to northerly direction during the next 72 hours towards the Andhra Pradesh coast close to Machilipatnam," an IMD bulletin said. The official machinery in all the nine coastal districts has been asked to be on high alert. Leave of employees have been cancelled till May 25. Those on leave have been asked to report back immediately. Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation D. Prasada Rao told reporters here that the leave of employees especially in departments like disaster management, revenue, police, fire services, electricity, roads and buildings and Panchayat Raj have been cancelled. Chief Minister K. Rosaiah directed the district collectors to take all preventive measures to minimize the loss of life and property. Since there is still sufficient time before the cyclone crosses the coast, the collectors were told to take measures to save life and property, he said. The strong winds could topple walls and electricity and communication towers.
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ACB unerathed Rupees 90 lakhs alleged disproportionate assests in AP

Visakhapatnam, May 18: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) unearthed alleged Disproportionate assets worth over Rs 90 lakh allegedly belonging to a Traffic Police Inspector in the Port city.Simultaneous searches were conducted yesterday by the ACB officials at the residences of Rajasekhar, a Police Inspector with traffic branch, at Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Amalapuram.The searches yielded assets worth over Rs 90 lakh, an ACB release said yesterday.Which included six house plots, two houses, a flat, household articles worth Rs 2 Lakh and Rs 39,000 in cash, it said, adding further investigation was still going on.
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Andhra coast faces cyclone threat, alert sounded

Hyderabad, May 17: Andhra Pradesh faces a cyclone threat as a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify and hit the coast, weather officials said Monday.Authorities in coastal Andhra have sounded an alert and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. The weather office has forecast widespread rains over coastal Andhra with strong winds of 45 to 55 km per hour. According to the bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a depression formed over the Bay of Bengal lay centered about 1,000 km southeast of Visakhapatnam. The system is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and move initially in a northwesterly direction towards the state's coast. Under the influence of this system, coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience widespread rainfall from May 19. Heavy to very heavy rains are likely at some places. Following the warning by weather office, authorities in all nine coastal districts sounded an alert along the coast. Senior officials here reviewed the situation with district collectors and directed them to be prepared for any eventuality. The forecast of heavy rains and cyclone has come at a time when the severe heat wave conditions continue across the state. The heat wave claimed 20 lives Monday, taking the total deaths to 65 since Friday.
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Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad meets with the Health Secretary of USA in Geneva

(PIB NEWS) May.17,Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, had a meeting with the Health Secretary of USA - Mrs. Kathleen Sebelius at Geneva. Both the Ministers appreciated that India andUS are strategic partners in several areas including health. Shri Azad thanked the US department of Agriculture for organizing food safety training every year at the Michigan State University for the personnel of Food Safety Standard Authority of India. He also recalled that the US food and Drug Administration has opened their office in Delhi which facilitates exchange of Information. Both the Ministers discussed the latest position of Memorandum of Understanding regarding setting up of the Global Disease Detection Regional Centre (GDD) at New Delhi. ================================================