Cyclone Phethai hits Andhra Pradesh, more than 11000 evacuated in Odisha

As Cyclone Phethai is causing landfall in Andhra Pradesh coast and the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall in the region, the Odisha government has evacuated more than 11,000 people to safety zones.

Reportedly, cyclone Phethai made landfall near Katrenikona in East Godavari district in the afternoon on Monday, packing windspeed that gusted upto 85-90 kmph, uprooting electric poles and trees in Katrenikona, Tallarevu and Malkipuram in the district.

Though power supply was severely hit in several parts of the district but no casualties were reported

A senior official at the Special Relief Commissinor’s (SRC) office said, “We have evacuated about 11,600 people in Gajapati district as their houses are yet to be repaired after Cyclone Titili in October this year.”

Apparently, people have been taken to safe places from seven vulnerable blocks in Gajapati district.

Relief camps have been opened and evacuated people are being provided food and other essentials, rescue officials said.

The official also added, “We shifted the people because there is danger in staying in half-constructed houses during the calamity.”

According to the latest information from IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Malkangiri, Koraput, Gajapati and Rayagada districts.

IMD said in a statement that besides, isolated places in Gajapati, Ganjam, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts may also experience heavy rainfall.

Notably, farmers in Odisha have been advised to take necessary measures to protect their crops in view of the rain forecast.

Also read: Government approves legal changes to link Aadhaar with bank accounts, mobile phones