New Delhi: The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Sunday reviewed the situation of the districts affected by Cyclone Hudhud in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha after the storm made its landfall in Vishakhapatnam earlier in the day.
Under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, the committee found that according to preliminary assessment, the cyclone has left six people dead, and communication services and electricity have been considerably damaged in the affected districts.
The committee decided that a detailed assessment will be carried out as soon as the wind speed is reduced and the roads are cleared. The Centre has kept its all agencies on full alert to provide necessary assistance to the states.
The eye of Cyclone Hudhud crossed the coast of between Vishakhapatnam and Bheemilipatnam at 11.30 am. The cyclone had been moving at a speed of approximately 20 kmph with wind speeds of 180 kmph. The winds reduced considerably as the eye of the storm passed over the region. However, the rainfall is likely to continue for next 24 hours.
The Eastern Naval Command had been put on high alert to provide any assistance towards rescue and relief of affected persons. Towards this end the preparations made included readying ships, aircraft and diving teams. Indian Naval Ships Ranjit, Shivalik, Shakti and Airavat are ready to sail with relief material for 5000 personnel embarked onboard the ships.
Additionally, four more ships have been kept ready for sailing at short notice for relief operations as required. Two Dornier fixed wing aircraft and six helicopters are also ready for deployment and one Long range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft (P 8I) has also kept standby for carrying out damage assessment once the cyclone passes and wind speeds reduce.
