Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh on Monday confirmed six deaths due to Cyclone Hudhud in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
"There could be material loss, but as far as casualties are concerned, so far, we have reports that six deaths have taken place, three from Odisha and three from Andhra Pradesh," he said.
Singh said the situation is under control and added that all departments are working together to prevent any further losses.
"It's very well under control, and all the departments are working with perfect synergy, and they were all prepared actually before that. Therefore, the damage has been minimized. The speed of the wind has come down to about 50 to 60 kmph," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Visakhapatnam tomorrow to assess the situation.
"Have been constantly taking updates on Cyclone Hudhud. Spoke to AP CM. Will visit Visakhapatnam tomorrow and take stock of the situation," he tweeted.
The very severe cyclonic storm has weakened into a cyclonic storm post crossing coast and is now over Chhattisgarh and adjoining South Odisha. Presently, negligible rain and calm winds are being experienced at Visakhapatnam.
The Defence Crisis Management Group has nominated the Indian Navy as the lead service for conduct of rescue and relief operations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and the operation has been codenamed as OP LEHAR.
The Eastern Naval Command has indicated readiness in all respects for providing assistance for relief operations. The Indian naval ships Ranjit, Shivalik, Shakti and Airavat are ready to sail with relief material for 5000 personnel. Additionally, four more ships have been kept ready for sailing at short notice for relief operations. Approximately 24 diving teams have been deployed in and around Vizag for relief operations.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) earlier on Sunday evacuated around 558 people after Cyclone Hudhud made its landfall in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
