Andhra Pradesh

Three fishermen missing

KAKINADA: Three fishermen of Chinnavalasa village in Tallarevu mandal were reported missing after their boat capsized in the Bay of Bengal in the early hours of Saturday as the condition of the sea was rough due to cyclonic storm Khai Muk.

Nearly 840 families totalling some 2,500 people were evacuated from low-lying areas and put in nine relief camps in Uppalaguptam, Katrenikona, U.Kotthapalli, Sakhinetipalli and Malkipuram mandals due to the threat of tidal waves sweeping away their habitations. Seventy five families were shifted from Uppada area.

Road traffic between Uppada and Vakapalli was suspended because of the caving in of a culvert which was continuously pounded by the sea water.

Huge concrete blocks meant to protect the coast failed to withstand the ferocity of tidal waves. Vehicles are being diverted via Pithapuram and heavy vehicles will not be allowed in this route till the culvert is repaired.

Some 30 huts were razed to the ground by tidal waves in Konapapapeta village of U.Kotthapalli mandal.

Uppada is the place where M/s Garware Wall Ropes Limited will shortly start building a geo-tube wall to mitigate further erosion of the coast, under the technical supervision of Pune-based Central Water and Power Research Station. The road near Uppada was partially cut off by tidal waves to an extent of nearly two km. Damage on this count was estimated to be Rs. 2 crores.

Meanwhile, a 17-member contingent of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) attached to the Central Industrial Security Force, which has just completed a training session for the district officials, has been sent to Amalapuram division to take part in the rescue efforts under the leadership of Jagadish Harod.

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