Cyclone Phailin which crossed the coast near Gopalpur in Odisha on Saturday night, hit Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh hard, but the other two north-coastal districts — Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram — remained unaffected. The authorities are trying to restore power supply in Srikakulam district and clear the roads as many trees have been uprooted by the gales.

The authorities on Sunday sent back people evacuated from low-lying areas in Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam districts as the cyclone alert was withdrawn. The relief camps continue to be run in Srikakulam district only. Though extensive damage to paddy, coconut, and cashew crops has been reported from Srikakulam district, the authorities said it would take more time to assess the damage.

Relief Commissioner Radha said the impact of the cyclone was negligible in Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam and therefore the focus was now on restoring normality to Srikakulam. No cyclone-related casualty was reported from any of the districts. It is estimated that it may take two or three days to restore power supply to all the affected areas in Srikakulam district.

Many trains on the Visakhapatnam-Howrah section remained cancelled, and several were diverted for the second day on Sunday due to the cyclone. The Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports functioned normally on Sunday.

Five cyclone-related deaths were reported from Ganjam district of Odissa, the worst hit district.

>sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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