Asani cyclone spares Andhra Pradesh

By Our Special Correspondent

People of Vizianagaram, Parvatipuram and Srikakulam districts heaved a sigh of relief with the impact of Cyclone Asani which reduced temperatures significantly. The day temperature went up to 40 degrees Celsius recently, causing untold miseries to the people of these three districts. The frequent power cuts added to their woes.

The storm dipped into sea at Visakhapatnam late on Wednesday night and was moving towards Odisha. According to IMD, the storm got weakened from severe cyclone to depression by Thursday morning resulting in moderate to heavy rains at many places. There have been continuous torrential rains in several parts of Kakinada and Konaseema districts. Earlier, it was predicted that the coastal districts will get severe cyclone storm. Some parts of Guntur, Konasaeema and Kakinada districts registered rains on Wednesday. Normal to heavy rains forecast on Thursday in some parts of the coastal Andhra. Gales with speed of 70 kmph to 90 kmph likely to prevail along and off Krishna, East and West Godavari, Yanam and Puducherry Union Territories, and Visakhapatnam districts. Some other areas in coastal districts will experience gales with speed of 60 kmph on Thursday morning. The ripple effects of the Cyclone Asani are expected to be seen over Telangana where moderate rainfall with lightening is expected in some parts of the state. Considering heavy damage during previous cyclones such as Phailin, Hud-Hud, Titli and others, Mr. Shrikesh asked all the Mandal officers to be alert all along the coastal areas till the cyclone warning is withdrawn. He directed the fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next couple of days. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into west central Bay of Bengal along and off Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coasts on May 11 and into Northwest Bay of Bengal till May 12.