Relief for Andhra as cyclone weakens

The IMD had earlier warned the state of very severe cyclonic storm with the wind speed gusting to 200 kmph. The state government had sounded an alert as the intensity of the cyclone feared to be more than that of 1996 cyclone that killed hundreds of people and caused widespread destruction in Konaseema region of East Godavari district.

The authorities have evacuated more than 26,000 people from vulnerable areas in four districts, requisitioned four helicopters and six columns of the army for rescue and relief work.

Lehar was the third cyclone to threaten the Andhra coast in a month. Helen had crossed the coast at Machilipatnam last week, killing six people and damaging crops over four lakh hectares.

Phailin, which hit Odisha-Andhra coast last month, had caused some crop damage and claimed one life in Srikakulam district bordering Odisha. However, the subsequent heavy rains and floods claimed 58 lives and damaged crops over 13 lakh hectares.

According to initial estimates by department of disaster management, Helen caused damage of Rs.1,628 crore. The state government has sought an assistance of Rs.6,500 crore from the central government for relief and rehabilitation in Phailin-hit areas.