The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) is well-prepared to handle any situation of natural calamity during the southwest monsoon, said Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath.

According to a press note from the APSDMA, mock drills are under way in 17 districts prone to floods to train the rescue forces in dealing with floods and cyclones.

So far, mock drills were conducted in Krishna, West Godavari, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, NTR and Eluru districts. It will be conducted in Srikakulam, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema, Vizianagaram, East Godavari, SPSR Nellore, Anakapalle, Palnadu, Parvathipuram Manyam, Tirupati and Bapatla districts. The mock drills will go on in the State until May 9.

Mr. Kurmanath, in a statement released on Monday, also emphasised the need for awareness among the public about such disasters. All the warnings being issued by APSDMA should be followed by the public to avoid loss of lives and property, he added.

Mr. Kurmanath said personnel from the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, Fire and police departments are educating the public on how to act before, during and after a disaster.