Cyclone Hudhud makes landfall in Vizag, 4 killed

Hyderabad, Oct 12 (INN): The eye of very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud crossed the East coast of India at INS Kalinga, north of Vishakhapatnam, between Vishakhapatnam and Bheemilipatnam on Sunday at about 11.30 AM.
 
The cyclone had been moving at a speed of approx 20 KMPH with wind speeds of the order of 180 KMPH. The winds reduced considerably as the eye of the storm passed over the region. However, the rainfall is likely to continue for next 24 hours.
 
The Eastern Naval Command had been put on high alert to provide any assistance towards rescue and relief of affected persons. Towards this end the preparations made included readying ships, aircraft and diving teams. Indian Naval Ships Ranjit, Shivalik, Shakti and Airavat are ready to sail with relief material for 5,000 personnel embarked onboard the ships. Additionally, four more ships have been kept ready for sailing at short notice for relief operations as required. Two Dornier fixed wing aircraft and six helicopters are also ready for deployment and one Long range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft (P 8I) has also kept standby for carrying out damage assessment once the cyclone passes and wind speeds reduce.
 
In the meantime, naval diving teams have been deployed in and around Vishakhapatnam for carrying out rescue and relief operations. As many as 14 diving teams have been deployed to Srikakulam, Ankapalle, and around Vizag. Additional 30 teams are ready for deployment at short notice as required.
 
In addition, approximately 250 NDRF and 300 Army troops have been deployed in/ around Visakhapatnam. Army columns have also been deployed in North Andhra at Achutapuram, Palasa and at Etcherla. The IAF has provided a mobile communication team as part of the contingency preparedness procedure. The IAF mobile communication team has been kept standby at INS Circars.
 
The naval base at Vishakhapatnam has seen some storm damage with approximately 30-40 per cent trees uprooted inside Naval Station and some naval installations on Dolphin Hill have suffered damage.