SBI's 209 of 225 branches operational in storm-hit AP

The State Bank of India announced here Monday that it has restored normal operations in almost all the 225 branches hit by the cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh.

Of the 225 branches, 209 are fully operational and 190 of 502 ATMs are also functional in the worst-hit Vishakhapatnam, Vijayanagram and Srikakulam districts, the SBI said in a statement.

Besides, the SBI has started a mobile ATM and around half a dozen such ATMs would be operational soon to enable people withdraw money in areas were the the bank branches are still out of service.

"Unless we get out branches going at the earliest, people will be unable to transact or draw cash... In a cash-drive economy, life without money in hand leads to desperation," said Managing Director, National Banking & Group Executive SBI, B. Sriram said.

Sriram said that besides undertaking quick restoration of operations in the bank's branches, the bank staffers are also engaged in clearing debris in many areas and distribution food packets and blankets to the victims.

Hudhud cyclone, one of the strongest tropical storms to hit the east coast of India last week, resulted in windspeeds of around 195 kmph, massive devastation and at least 43 human casualties.