Cyclone Hudhud loses intensity: IMD

NEW DELHI: Cyclone Hudhud, which made a landfall in Andhra Pradesh this noon, lost its intensity by evening as it moved further 60 km northwest of Visakhapatnam, the IMD said.

Hudhud, which was so far a very severe cyclonic storm has now converted into a severe cyclone. Its speed is now limited to 100-110 kmph, said M Mahapatra, scientist at the Cyclone Warning Division of IMD.

The cyclone hit the port city of Vishakapatnam today bringing with it torrential rains in three coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and leaving five persons dead in the state and neighbouring Odisha besides snapping power and communication lines.

Normal life was thrown out of gear as winds with a speed of 170 to 180 kmph earlier today 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.