500 troops deployed in coastal Andhra

At least 500 armymen were deployed Saturday in north coastal Andhra Pradesh for rescue and relief operations in view of cyclonic storm Phailin expected to make landfall later this evening.

The troops were moved to the coastal districts of Srikakulam and Vishakhapatnam to assist the authorities in relief, rescue and evacuation operations, said a statement.

The troops are equipped with mechanical boats, life jackets and life saving medicines. - IANS