Berhampur residents throng markets amid cyclone scare

The people of Berhampur, the commercial hub of south Odisha, made beeline to purchase vegetables and other essential commodities as threat of the cyclonic storm Phailin looms large over the Odisha coast after a deep depression in the North Andaman Sea.

With the severe cyclonic storm projected to hit the Odisha coast by Saturday evening, people thronged the vegetable markets here in panic. The Ganjam district in south Odisha is likely to be worst hit by the storm.

Amid the cyclone scare, vegetable prices have shot up. While potato prices are up Rs 2 per kg at Rs 14, onions were being sold in the range of Rs 50-55 per kg. Similarly, prices of other vegetables have also seen a marked increase.

Traders attributed the price hike to unavailability of vegetables in the local market as supplies from neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh dwindled.

"There is shortage of vegetables in the local market due to agitation in Andhra Pradesh," said Bhagaban Pradhan, a vegetable trader.

Meanwhile, Ganjam district collector Krishan Kumar has stressed on ensuring stability of prices of potato and onions.