New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives and damage to property caused by the cyclone Hudhud in various districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
In his message to Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan, the President said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and damage to property caused by the Cyclone Hudhud in various districts of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Visakhapatnam. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway.”
“I am sure that the State Government and other authorities are making all efforts to bring relief to those affected and also provide assistance to the people who have incurred losses. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” he added.
The cyclone ‘Hudhud', which struck the Andhra coast on Sunday caused devastation in the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. The state disaster management department said that 35 people were reported killed in different rain-related incidents till yesterday evening.
The President, in his message to Odisha Governor SC Jamir, said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives and damage to property caused by the Cyclone Hudhud in parts of Odisha. My thoughts are with all those affected by this natural calamity. I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway.”
“I am sure that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones. Kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I pray to the Almighty to give strength and fortitude to the families to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
In Odisha, 'Hudhud' caused extensive damage to the power infrastructure in five districts -- Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur and Gajapati.
Ahead of 'Hudhud' making landfall on Sunday, the state government had evacuated 247,829 people and shifted them to 2,197 safe shelters. The evacuated people have started returning to their homes except those whose houses have been severely damaged. Preliminary estimates indicate damage to about 80,000 private dwelling houses most of which are mud and thatch dwellings.
