World · South & Central Asia · 5 hrs ago
Andhra Pradesh strengthens cyclone preparedness since Hudhud, officials say
Andhra Pradesh is better prepared for cyclones than it was when Cyclone Hudhud struck Visakhapatnam in 2014, officials said on October 13.
Forecasters now provide the expected path, landfall area and strength three to four days in advance, and radar stations track storms.
Officials combine forecasts with information about hospitals, vulnerable people and communities that can be cut off, while mobile alerts can reach everyone in an affected area.
The State has about 220 cyclone shelters, and a permanent NDRF camp in Visakhapatnam keeps two teams ready with boats and equipment.
These measures are intended to reduce danger and help emergency teams reach people and assess damage after a cyclone.
Officials say the State has also improved its response to floods, but lightning needs better awareness and forecasting.
The State plans to install electric field meters as part of a national pilot to improve lightning detection.
Andhra Pradesh is better prepared for cyclones than it was when Cyclone Hudhud struck in 2014, officials said.
Forecasts now provide expected tracks, landfall areas and intensity three to four days in advance, and alerts can reach people by mobile tower location.
The State uses pooled data on hospitals and vulnerable communities to guide warnings and response.
It has about 220 multipurpose cyclone shelters and a permanent NDRF camp in Visakhapatnam.
Officials said public awareness of safety protocols remains important.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh disaster-management officials, including APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain, described the State’s preparedness.
- What
- The State has strengthened its cyclone forecasting, alerts, response capacity and shelters since Cyclone Hudhud.
- When
- Officials spoke on October 13, 2026, 12 years after Hudhud made landfall on October 12, 2014.
- Where
- Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam.
- Why
- The measures are intended to improve preparedness and reduce risks from cyclones.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cyclone Hudhud made landfall at Visakhapatnam.
The NDRF has maintained a permanent camp in Visakhapatnam.
Vibrational alerts were sent in select areas, alongside SMS, IVRS calls and public announcements.
Officials said Andhra Pradesh was better equipped to face cyclones.
- Hudhud landfall
- Visakhapatnam, October 12, 2014
- Forecast lead time
- Three to four days
- Cyclone shelters
- About 220
- NDRF camp
- Visakhapatnam, established in 2015
- NDRF teams
- Two teams of 35 personnel each
What people are saying
by leaps and bounds
No matter the outside efforts, unless we are very well aware about the protocols that are to be followed when a warning or an alert is issued, it would hardly amount to action or visible impact
Sources
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