Cyclonic storm Helen, has now weakened into a “deep depression” and rainfall would occur at most places on Saturday with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari districts during next twenty four hours.
Rainfall at many places with isolated heavy falls over would also occur over Telangana region. Moderate rainfall would occur at many places over south Odisha as well.
India.com
Cyclonic storm Helen on Friday hit Andhra Pradesh coast near Machilipatnam, triggering heavy rains and strong gales, killing seven people and causing massive damage to the crops in the coastal region.
Trees were uprooted disrupting traffic and communication and electricity towers were damaged as strong gales with speed reaching 100-110 kmph caused havoc in the coastal districts of Krishna and two Godavari districts.
The deaths were mostly caused by falling trees in the affected districts, said officials.
Crops in about one lakh hectares, ready for harvest, was damaged in West Godavari district. Standing paddy and horticulture crops like banana and coconut were damaged in East Godavari district, he said.
Trees and electric poles fell in several areas. The highest rainfall of 7.3 cms was reported at Allavaram in East Godavari.
The sea conditions were rough and the sea water at some places flushed out for a few metres over land.
According to Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, the cyclone made the landfall near Machilipatnam in Krishna district around 2 pm.
A control room to monitor the situation has been set up at the state secretariat in Hyderabad. The control room numbers are 040-23456005, 23451043.