Cyclone Hudhud claimed three lives in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh apart from causing severe damage to power lines and other infrastructure facilities.

It crossed the coast near Pudimadaka off Visakhapatnam on Sunday afternoon. While two persons died in Visakhapatnam one was killed in Srikakulaum, according to Government officials.

Visakhapatnam bore the brunt of the cyclone and was damaged beyond recognition. The city was dotted by the uprooted trees, electric poles and collapsed hoardings and life came to a standstill with disruption of power, transport and telecommunication networks.

The business and economic activity too was hit as Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports suspended operations and the production remained nominal at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL).

The three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam took the maximum impact and resulting in large-scale destruction of public and private assets. Over one lakh affected people were evacuated and were shifted to the relief camps.

Relief work Speaking to newspersons in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu promised quick relief to those who were affected by the cyclone.

The Government was making all efforts to prevent loss of life and provide quick relief, he said. He is also likely to visit the affected districts shortly. In a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he also sought immediate help from the Centre. Referring to the loss, he said the cyclone damaged paddy, coconut and cashew nut crops in the districts of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram.

“The communication systems have been severely damaged in Visakhapatnam and the telecom operators have been told to restore the services as early as possible,’’ he said.

Mobile app The Government has also developed a mobile application to provide information to people, assess the damage and provide relief.

Over 20 relief teams from the National Disaster Management Authority and State Government are currently engaged in the rescue and relief operations while defence forces have been kept on alert.

Telangana CM help Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao too had directed the Chief Secretary to provide support to the AP Government in helping the cyclone victims.

The South Central Railway has cancelled/diverted many trains and advised passengers to check details with the railway authorities before travelling.

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