Cyclone Fani triggers heavy rain in parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh
Cyclone Fani, which hit Odisha coast near Puri today morning, triggered heavy rains in parts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh, while gusty winds uprooted trees and electricity poles, officials said.
The cyclone moved close to north coastal Andhra before it made landfall in neighbouring Odisha.
Due to its impact gusty winds, with speed reaching up to 140 kmph, lashed the coastal area of Srikakulam district.
Srikakulam District Collector J. Nivas said three houses were damaged due to the winds, but there was no loss of life.
About 20,000 people were shifted to 126 relief camps in Srikakulam district, where seven 'mandals' (blocks) were affected by the cyclone. A red alert was sounded in the district with authorities taking preventive measures to avoid loss of life and minimise property damages.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is carrying out relief operations in Kotturu Mandal of Srikakulam.
According to Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) officials in Amaravati, Srikakulam's Kanchili 'mandal' received highest rainfall of 19 cm since yesterday.
The heavy rains could also cause Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers to overflow leading to floods in the region, officials said.
Heavy downpours also lashed Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam, two other districts in the north coastal Andhra, since Thursday.
The Indian Railways have cancelled about 100 trains between Visakhapatnam and Howrah on Friday and Saturday.
Authorities have also cancelled 22 flights from Visakhapatnam Airport.
In view of the severe cyclonic storm Fani, Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APEPDCL) had cautioned public to be more alert regarding any untoward power accidents.
Likewise 12,000 poles, 50 cranes, 40 pole drilling machines, 40 generators, 70 power saws, 2,000 transformers, wires, conductors, cross arms, insulators were already sent to the cyclone-affected places and in addition, other necessary items was being procured.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)