Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh bore the brunt of cyclonic storm Phailin, which crossed the south Odisha coast on Saturday evening, bringing in its wake very heavy rains, throwing normal life out of gear. Several parts of the district saw the uprooting of trees and power and communication towers under the impact of winds with high speeds ranging between 180 and 200 kmph.
Public and private property suffered heavy damage. Electricity and communication networks were the worst hit in Ichapuram, Kaviti, Palasa, Vajrapukottur and Kanthili mandals. The district administration says it will take at least a week to bring normality back to the region.
Seawater entered several villages. Several old and dilapidated structures collapsed in many villages.
Srikakulam District Collector Saurabh Gaur told reporters that the extent of the damage would be known only on Sunday morning.
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Several parts of the district face flood threat as there was heavy downpour in the catchment areas of the Nagavali and the Vamsadhara.
The district administration has advised people not to venture out. “Even if the cyclone crossed the coastline of Gopalpur, the after-effects will be more intense in the adjoining Srikakulam,” said T. Radha, Commissioner, Disaster Management.
Officials heaved a sigh of relief as there were no reports of loss of lives till late in the night. The district administration is on high alert and is closely monitoring the situation to face any eventuality.