Hyderabad: Cyclone Laila has weakened and is about 70 kilometer away from Machilipatnam along the Andhra Pradesh coast. The cyclone is expected to cross the India's eastern coast at Bapatla near Machilipatnam on Thursday afternoon.
Meteorological authorities and state official say the threat still remains and cyclonic winds are still advancing towards the coast.
"We are keeping close watch in the cyclone. It will weaken after the rainfall. The cyclone is showing the sign of weakening. It is going to south of Machilipatnam. It will cross Bapatla near Machilipatnam by today (Thursday) afternoon," said Indian Meteorology Department Director General Ajit Tyagi.
Tyagi ruled out any chance of Cyclone Laila becoming a super cyclone.
"Still people should not to underestimate it. It will rain for at least the next 12 hours. The cyclone alert was issued on May 18. We have been watching its movement for the next six to eight hours. It will weaken after a spell of rain, (but) re-intensify on May 23 and 24. Godavari, Krishna, Guntur and Vishakhapatnam will receive heavy rainfall," he added
"We have alerted Orissa and West Bengal government in case the cyclone re-emerges, which will be clear after May 23 or 24. It may re-emerge in North Bay of Bengal. We are monitoring the situation," he cautioned.
Hyderabad cyclone control room numbers: 040-23239922, 040-23239900. Helpline numbers for Vijayawada: 0866-2767295, 0866-2767077, 0866-2767078
Andhra and Tamil Nadu are experiencing heavy rains and at least 17 people have been reportedly killed. Nearly 40,000 people, too, have been evacuated from the low-lying areas of Andhra coast. The state has set up 17 relief camps for the evacuees.
Senior IAS officer in-charge of Cyclone Laila control room BR Meena said that the authorities are prepared to tackle any situation.
"As of now the cyclone has not crossed. It will be crossing some time in the afternoon. The wind speed will be in between 100-110 km per hour and will go upto 120km per hour. We have evacuated the people living in the low lying areas. We have made every necessary arrangement for them," said Meena.
Very heavy rainfall has been reported in the West Godavari district of Andhra while the coastal areas of Chennai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur have also been getting heavy rains since Wednesday night.
Army and Navy units have been put on standby for relief rescue operations. Air and rail traffic has also been hit with trains towards Vijayawada and Vishakapatnam running slow.
The coasts of Orissa and West Bengal are also on the cyclone's radar where the storm is expected to hit on Friday.
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