The cyclone named 'Thane', a cyclonic storm formation in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify and hit the coast between north Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra on Dec 30. An alert was sounded along the Andhra coast by the weather department on Tuesday.

Andhra Pradesh government put the administration in the coastal districts, especially in the south coastal region, on alert as the cyclonic formation named 'Thane' is likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm and cause extensive damage while crossing the coast between Cuddalore and Nellore by the morning of Dec 30. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic  storm over southeast Bay of Bengal lay centred about 750 km east-southeast of Chennai.

The formation is likely to move west-northwestwards, intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday and cross north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast between Cuddalore and Nellore by the morning of Dec 30. Dozens of fishermen in Guntur district who had ventured into the sea were reported missing as their families have lost contact  with them. The officials began frantic efforts to trace the fishermen who had gone into the sea in 32 boats.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, who reviewed the cyclone situation at a meeting with top officials here, directed the collectors of Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts to be on alert and evacuate people wherever necessary. Revenue Minister Raghuveera Reddy told reporters that all steps were being taken to minimize the loss of lives and property due to the cyclone. According to an IMD bulletin, the cyclonic storm may cause extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts, minor damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large trees and also flooding of escape routes.

Video Source:snehatv.com