Cyclone batters coastal areas in AP

Vijayawada: Cyclone Michaung disrupted normal life in various parts of Andhra Pradesh mainly in south coast and parts of north coast as it brought moderate to heavy rain accompanied by squally winds.

After sounding a red alert in the affected areas of coastal districts, the government deployed NDRF, paramilitary forces and other agencies to undertake relief and rescue operations as and when required. Earlier, the government asked the District Collectors to set up toll-free numbers to contact the control rooms. People in the low-lying areas were evacuated to various relief camps. While schools and colleges were declared a holiday, fishermen refrained from venturing into the sea after hoisting of danger signals at various fishing harbours.