‘Helen’ cyclone causes devastation in five districts

Hyderabad, Nov 23 : At least 11 people are feared killed and crops spread across 1.62 lakh hectares were damaged due to the cyclonic storm ‘Helen’ that hit the Andhra Pradesh coast on Friday afternoon. However, the State Government has so far confirmed only six deaths.

The ‘Helen’ cyclone left a trail of destruction in five coastal districts of East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam. Heavy rainfall is being reported from many areas due to the impact of ‘Helen’ cyclone. Three mandals of Krishna district received more than 100 mm of rainfall till 6 AM on Saturday. Machilipatnam is on top with 191 mm followed by Pedaparupudi (159 mm) and Gudlavalleru (113 mm). As many as 23 mandals recorded 50 mm to 100 mm of rainfall with Unguturu on top with 92 mm followed by Gannavaram (89 mm), Allavaram (77 mm), G Konduru (75 mm) and Nandivada (74 mm).

One fisherman boat near Nizampatnam in Guntur district which was missing has returned safely on Friday afternoon. In Katravani Khona, Kothapalli Light House near Reliance Rig in East Godavari district, three boats which were stranded have been rescued along with 20 persons. As many 346 habitations were classified as vulnerable areas.

The authorities have evacuated a total of 21,283 people from low lying areas to 93 relief camps in Krishna, Guntur, East Godavari and East Godavari.

The authorities have confirmed six deaths due to cyclone. While two deaths each have been reported from Krishna and East Godavari, one fisherman was drowned at Badwenipeta in Echerla mandal of Srikakulam district and another person died in West Godavari district. A total of 381 houses have been damaged in three districts.

Paddy crops spread across 11,68,998 Ha and Horticulture crops over 210 Ha have been affected. Maximum damage has been reported from West Godavari and Krishna districts. About 6 kilometres length of Uppada road in East Godavari was also damged. The authorities have claimed that power supply has been restored in 563 affected villages.

The Met Department has predicted that rainfall would occur at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari districts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours. Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy falls over would occur over Telangana during next 24 hours. INN