Fishermen worst hit by cyclone Hudhud: NGO

Fishermen in Andhra Pradesh are the worst effected following cyclone Hudhud, NGO Action Aid India said Tuesday.

Hundreds of crores of rupees worth of losses is estimated as boats, nets, homes and livelihoods of these communities have been destroyed, it said.

"While the immediate and efficient state response, especially in evacuation efforts, managed to restrain the number of casualties and damage to a large extent, the impact of the cyclone is apparent especially amongst the fishing communities on the Vishakapatnam coast," the NGO said a statement.

It said Action Aid India's emergency response team has so far conducted a need assessment in 16 villages of Achyuthapuram, Vizag Urban and Bheemili in Andhra Pradesh.

"The fisher folk communities have lost their nets and boats. Many of them who lived under tin-roofed houses and thatched houses have lost their shelter. Children have lost their books and bags to the cyclone. Our efforts are to provide immediate relief to atleast 7000 families in these 16 villages," said Raghu, regional manager, Action Aid India.

The NGO said focus should now be on reaching out to the affected people and helping them restore their livelihoods.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced compensation of Rs.5,000 for nets and Rs.10,000 for boats for each of the families; however the cost of replacement is estimated to be much higher, he said.

"Right now a lot of attention is centred at Visakhapatnam. We have information that some of the tribal areas in Srikakulam are also severely affected and we have sent our teams there for assessing the damage. We will reach out to the most vulnerable belts and to the most vulnerable people on priority," added Raghu.