Cyclone Hudhud Hits AP Coast, Two Killed

The very severe cyclonic storm "Hudhud" has hit the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bheemili and Kailashgiri in the port city of Visakhapatnam.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General L S Rathore, the cyclonic storm is crossing Vizag at a speed of 170-180 kmph gusting up to 190 kmph.

Due to its fury, several trees and hoardings in Vizag and other neighbouring towns in coastal districts have gotten uprooted.

The IMD has predicted very heavy rainfall in the next few hours under the impact of the reverse wind flow.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Odisha and a few districts of Telangana.

So far two deaths have been reported due to the cyclone. While one person died due to a compound wall collapse in Visakhapatnam, another person died in the Srikakulam district due to a tree faiing on him.

People in Visakhapatnam and other coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh have been advised to stay indoors till Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is been monitoring the situation on minute-to-minute basis.

So far, 320 villages in 44 mandals of 4 coastal districts have been affected. A total of 90,013 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and shifted to 223 relief camps.

As many as 19 NDRF teams, 6 helicopters, 2 Army columns, 56 boats and 155 medical teams have been deployed in the affected areas. (INN)