Cyclone Titli: AP government urges Center to release Rs. 1,200cr
The Andhra Pradesh Government has requested the Center to release Rs. 1,200 crore as interim relief for restoration measures in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts that were battered by cyclone Titli. The severe cyclonic storm hit the two districts early Thursday, with winds gusting up to 165km per hour. Heavy rainfall, ranging from 10cm to 43cm, was witnessed in different parts of the districts.
Cost of damaged properties and crops crossed over Rs. 2,500cr
In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, "The devastating cyclone has hit north coastal Andhra Pradesh, badly damaging the infrastructure and derailing normal life in the region, especially in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts." Naidu said the cost of damaged properties, crops, and infrastructure has tentatively worked out to be Rs. 2,800 crore.
Horticulture, the worst hit with damages up to Rs. 1,000cr
On the areas damaged, the Chief Minister further said that Horticulture was the worst hit with damages to the tune of Rs. 1,000 crore. It was followed by agriculture (Rs. 800 crore), power sector (Rs. 500 crore), roads and buildings, panchayat raj, rural water supply, irrigation (Rs. 100 crore each), and animal husbandry and fisheries (Rs. 50 crore each).
Naidu visiting the affected districts and supervising restoration operations
"The state government has already started rescue operations on a war-footing and I am personally camping in these districts, visiting the affected areas and supervising the relief and restoration operations," Naidu said. In view of the severe damages to life, property, and infrastructure, he urged the Center to "liberally and expeditiously" sanction the relief so as to minimize the misery of the people.
8 people killed in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram districts
Meanwhile, a release from the Chief Minister's office said that eight people (seven in Srikakulam district and one in Vizianagaram district) were killed in the "very severe" cyclonic storm while two other fishermen were reported missing. In all, 290km of roads were damaged along with 8,962 houses, 80 minor irrigation sources, and 16 rural water supply tanks.
Agriculture crops in 1,39,844 hectares damaged in Srikakulam district
The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) suffered damage to its infrastructure in Srikakulam district that bore the brunt of the cyclone, the release said. Agriculture crops in 1,39,844 hectares, including paddy in 1,36,531 hectares, was damaged in Srikakulam while the crops in 308 hectares were lost in Vizianagaram district. The banana plantations in 2,424 hectares were also damaged.
