Uprooted trees, electric poles tell tale of Cyclone Hudhud's impact

VISAKHAPATNAM: Gusty winds, uprooted trees, torn roofs of hutments and sheds and snapped electric cables bore testimony to the impact of severe cyclonic storm 'Hudhud' which hit Andhra Pradesh's coastal districts today.

Normal life was thrown completely out of gear as winds with a speed of 170 to 180 kmph battered Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts today.

The very severe cyclonic storm made the landfall in Visakhapatnam before noon today.

The gale, accompanied by heavy downpour, resulted in trees being uprooted and roofs of thatched huts and sheds swept away.

Electric poles, cables and hoardings fell on the roads at many places in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts.

The impact of the gale was the most in Visakhapatnam. "Windows are broken due to the wind. We are feeling the impact even if the windows are closed," said many a residents of Visakhapatnam.

Communication systems were badly affected in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts.

Roads wore a deserted look in the affected districts as the government has appealed to the people to remain indoors till the intensity of the cyclonic storm is weakened.

Agriculture crops have also suffered damages in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts, but the exact details would be known later.