Mute spectator to nature’s fury

It was a worst-ever experience for the city residents. The super severe cyclonic storm with its terrifying wind speed left a trail of destruction bringing normal life to a grind halt

A glimpse of Andhra University science college building in Visakhapatnam on Monday in the aftermath of the cyclone Hudhud. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

The 88-year-old Andhra University, which apart from being known as a coveted institution for higher studies, is also known for its green and salubrious environs. But it has lost almost all of its green cover and the environment turned into a battle-scarred zone, and it all happened over a few hours, thanks to the very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud that ravaged Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

Not only that it has lost its green cover, including a few century-old trees that were uprooted or fallen, but buildings and staff quarters were also damaged, and many are said to be beyond repair.

According to AU Registrar K. Rama Mohana Rao, the initial damage is estimated to be between Rs. 200 and 250 crore. Both Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju and the Registrar went around the university on Monday to asses the damage. The university officials evacuated all the hostellers and declared holidays till Deepavali.

Many of the decades-old stone buildings, including the historic Registrar’s office, where the first Cabinet meeting of the newly formed Chandrababu Naidu government was held, was damaged badly. Glass panes were shattered and windows and doors were ripped off the hinges. A part of the wall also collapsed, exposing a record room to the fury of the storm.

Walls collapsed

Walls of six buildings collapsed and the roof of all the 16 messes on the campus were blown away. All the 26 hostel buildings of the university, housing over 7,500 students, including 2,100 girls, were also damaged extensively.

“The buildings are damaged. There is no power and water. The roofs over the kitchens were blown away partially and the equipment was damaged. That is why we have evacuated them on a war-footing on Monday morning and declared holidays,” said Prof. Rama Mohana Rao.

The roof of the iconic Assembly Hall was also partially blown away and the hall was flooded. Many of the academic buildings were still unapproachable, and the equipment damage in the labs was still to be ascertained.

The good news is that, though the library building was partially damaged, the books and journals were said to be safe.

Many of the quarters of non-teaching staff were damaged beyond repair, and the residents were moved to AU High School.

Published - October 14, 2014 12:27 am IST