Extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ dealt another blow on Srikakulam district. It, however, was not as intense as cyclone Titli that struck the coastal district in October 2018.
Nonetheless, both government and private properties suffered damages and preliminary estimates put the loss at ₹38.43 crore.
Compared with ‘Titli’, the damage caused by ‘Fani’ was relatively less, said officials.
Horticulture crops such as coconut, cashew, and banana suffered damage in 1,030 acres.
Paddy, maize and other crops in 2,100 acres too suffered vast damage. Preliminary estimates put the loss at ₹20 crore, which was higher than the government’s figure of ₹4 crore.
Enumeration teams will visit the cyclone-affected areas on Saturday and Sunday to assess the damage and submit a detailed report to the government.
About 162 houses collapsed causing an estimated loss of ₹51.25 lakh. Civic infrastructure such roads, street lights, canals, and water pipelines were damaged in mandals such as Ichchapuram, Kaviti, Kanchili, and Tekkali.
State highways and panchayat roads too suffered extensive damage.
Heavy downpour and gales brought misery to the commuters as vehicles got stranded on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway following uprooting of trees.
District Fire Officer Ch. Kripavaram said 44 tree-cutting and relief teams were continuously working to clear the roads.
“Our experience in handling ‘Titli’ has helped us monitor the relief operations more effectively in the remote areas, where vehicular traffic has been restored,” he said.
Collector J. Niwas and Joint Collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu monitored the relief operations.
“The situation is absolutely under control. There is no human loss. It is a major relief for the people as well as the administration,” Mr. Niwas told the media.