Hudhud: 2 killed in rain-related incidents in coastal AP

Two persons were killed in separate rain-related incidents in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh today as the very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud triggered heavy downpour in the region.

One person was killed when the compound wall of a building collapsed in Visakhaptnam district.

Another person died in Srikakulam district when a tree collapsed following pounding rains, according to state disaster management department.

The strong winds and heavy rains led to large-scale disruption of power lines in three coastal districts of AP.

"Except East Godavari, power entirely failed in the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam (which are expected to bear the brunt). There were gale winds. The situation is very severe. National Highway in the region has been shut," Special Commissioner, State Disaster Management Authority, K Hymavathi earlier told PTI.

Tens of thousands of people had been evacuated from vulnerable areas of the four districts.

Andhra Pradesh government has identified 356 villages in 59 mandals of the four districts as cyclone-prone. More than 300 relief camps have been opened.

As many as 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams (each consisting of 45-50 members) were deployed in the four districts.

Army columns are positioned at Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam with power boats and other equipment for rescue and relief. Six helicopters have been positioned in the Naval base at Visakhapatnam.

The Indian Air Force has tasked Headquarters Training Command, Bangalore to be the nodal agency for all relief operations in connection with severe cyclone Hudhud.