AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today announced immediate ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of those killed in “Hudhud” cyclone affected districts in Coastal Andhra Pradesh. The toll has risen to 11 and likely to increase, as per information reaching here. Those died include five in Visakhapatnam, three each in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
Addressing a press conference at Viskhapanam Collectorate after taking an aerial view, Chandrababu Naidu conducted a review with officials concerned. The CM said Rs 1 lakh will be given to those who were seriously injured, Rs 25,000 for animal deaths, Rs 5,000 to each fisherman, Rs 10,000 for loss of boat. He directed the Civil Supplies department to distribute 25 kg rice, one kg sugar and 10 liters of kerosene to victims by this evening.
Directing the MLAs to work in the cyclone hit districts until normalcy restored, Naidu said they will help all the victims in time and official machinery is working hard on this. The government geared up to tackle the situation and there is no need of panicky, he said. Naidu directed the officials to ensure power supply to hospitals by evening. He expressed concern on the damage of crops, houses, uprooting of trees, roads and telecom connectivity occurred due to Hudhud in coastal districts. He asked the officials to speed up works related to pumping out water from low-lying areas. The CM expressed concern that Visakhapatnam city, which he likes much, was totally devastated. However, he maintained that the Government will take up all measures to prevent human loss. (NSS)
