Hudhud losses estimated at Rs 21,908 Cr: Dy CM

The Andhra Pradesh Government has estimated the total losses incurred due to Hudhud cyclone, that hit the Visakhapatnam coast on October 12, at Rs 21,908 crore.

Making a statement in the Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa said in all, 89 lakh people spread over 7,285 villages in 138 mandals in four districts were affected by the cyclone. As many as 222,460 people were evacuated which has minimised the total human loss to 61 and another 102 persons receiving injuries. He said 2.38 lakh hectares of agricultural area was affected resulting in agriculture crop loss of Rs 947.90 crore. The impact of the cyclone was even severe in case of horticulture crops where 87984.75 Ha area was damaged resulting in an estimated loss of Rs 1339.22 crore.

The Deputy CM made this statement in reply to the notice under Rule 344 given by MLA Kala Venkatarao. He informed that Hudhud was the 77th cyclone since the year 1891 to have crossed the coastal Andhra Pradesh. 'Hudhud' cyclone had hit the State and cross over Visakhapatnam coast with a wind speed of around 220 kmph and with rainfall above 57 cms, resulting in unprecedented loss to public and private properties in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and East Godavari districts.

Chinarajappa said a sum of Rs 9,856 crore is required for rescue, relief and temporary restoration. He informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 1,000 crore as advance for providing immediate relief to the affected areas and the Central Government released a sum of Rs 400 crore as advance, pending report of Inter Ministerial Central Team, consideration thereof by High Level Committee (HCL), headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and its recommendations.

The Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has visited the affected areas during November 25th to 28th for on the spot assessment of the damages caused by the cyclone.

An aggregate amount of Rs 844.60 crore has so far been released by State Government which include Rs 790.25 crore from SDRF and Rs 54.35 crore by means of drawals by the District Collectors concerned, said the Deputy Chief Minister.