Cyclone Hudhud spares Odisha with Less Damage

The Cyclone Hudhud, which wreaked havoc in Visakhapatnam and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, largely spared Odisha with minimum damages. Three casualties have been reported in the state. One person died in Digapahandi area of Ganjam district of wall collapse. Another person died near Puri Sea Beach.

The third death occurred in Kendrapara district. A rescue team member, Sahadev Samal, who tried to search for a boy, who went missing yesterday in a boat capsize during the rescue operation, died today. At least four deaths have been reported from Andhra Pradesh so far.

Around 93,000 people were evacuated by the state government in Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Rayagada, Kendrapara and Malkangiri districts. Although heavy rains continue in these districts, the impact was far less than what was speculated. Things are normal in these districts. The wind speed will be reduced in a few hours, but if the rains continue, it may trigger flood situation.

Power services, telecommunication and transportation services have been affected in most South Odisha districts. Many uprooted trees have resulted in road blockade. However, things may be restored within 24-48 hours, it is believed. The administration has kept a close eye on the situation in all affected districts. Heavy rains occurred in many areas in Coastal Odisha such as Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Cuttack, Balugaon, Puri, Balasore etc.