Wall collapse and uprooting of trees triggered by 'Hudhud' and heavy rains today claimed three lives in Visakhapatnam and Srikakakulam districts that bore the brunt of the cyclone.
Hours before the storm crossed the coast, 50-year-old G Panchvati of Visakhapatnam's Kondram village was killed in a wall collapse, while Mangari Yerrayya (58) from Palavasa in the district lost his life after a tree came crashing down on him.
In Srikakulam, Ganta Yoganandham (45) of Gandpeta village succumbed to injuries sustained in a tree fall.
Normal life was thrown completely out of gear as winds with a speed of 170 to 180 kmph battered Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.
The very severe cyclonic storm made landfall in Visakhapatnam before noon. The gale, accompanied by heavy downpour, resulted in trees being uprooted and roofs of thatched huts and sheds being swept away.
Pounding rains and gusting winds brought down scores of electric poles and trees, and blew away light objects and hoardings, with transport services coming to a halt in the region.
Streets largely wore a deserted look as panic-stricken residents remained indoors.
Authorities said 320 villages in 44 mandals (blocks) are affected by Hudhud. As many 1,35,262 people have been evacuated and accommodated in 223 relief camps.
Twenty-four NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams (each comprising 45-50 members) are on duty on the Andhra coast, including three that are on the way.
Six helicopters have been positioned in the Naval base here while two Army columns are also stationed here and at Srikakulam with power boats and other equipment for rescue and relief operations. In addition, 56 boats and launches have been deployed.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary I Y R Krishna Rao said the people of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts have been asked to stay indoors and shift to relief centres only if their house structure is weak.
