M A I N   N E W S

PM directs all help for cyclone-hit
Tribune News Service & PTI

New Delhi, October 12
To minimise loss of human lives and curtail damage, the authorities today evacuated more than half a million people from the coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, which were battered by monster storm Phailin.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was briefed about the situation by the Cabinet Seceratry, directed all possible assistance for states reeling under the cyclone impact.

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said all arrangements had been put in place to deal with the crisis. Eighteen helicopters, 12 aircraft and two warships are ready to be pressed into rescue and relief operations. “IAF choppers and two Navy ships are placed in close proximity to the eastern coastline,” said Shinde. Shinde said 5.5 lakh people in Odisha and 1.29 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh were evacuated to safer places. "This is one of the largest evacuations undertaken in India," said Shashidhar Reddy, vice-chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority.

Shinde said the Army had sent out more than 2,000 personnel for deployment in relief operations. Shinde said all Central ministries were working in close tandem and offering all help to the two state governments for relief and rescue operations.

"The Union Home Secretary is in regular touch with state Chief Secretaries," he said.

(With inputs from Vibha Sharma)