Visakhapatnam: Door-to-door poll campaign comes to a screeching halt

Visakhapatnam: Door-to-door canvassing of the contesting candidates came to a screeching halt as Arnab cyclone impacted all day long in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Save for a few auto-rickshaws that roamed along the streets occassionally playing out recorded poll tracks, ‘Arnab’ foiled the otherwise frenzied poll campaign of the candidates, who have already been hard-pressed for time. However, donning raincoats and wielding umbrellas, a few candidates continued their door-to-door campaign despite continuous downpour.

As polling date approaches closer, time turns out to be crucial for the candidates. With already limited time at their disposal, Cyclone Arnab halted their intensified campaign even further. Following gales and heavy downpour, a majority of people were confined to their homes. Notwithstanding the inclement weather, some of the candidates proceeded with their campaign. Several parts of Visakhapatnam, including HB Colony, MVP Colony, Seethammadhara, Gopalapatnam, Gajuwaka, Sheelanagar, Visalakshi Nagar, Muralinagar, Poorna Market, Pendurthi, Akkayyapalem, Madhurawada and Yendada, among several other areas, plunged into darkness due to prolonged power disruption.

From dawn to dusk, Visakhapatnam registered 10-cm of rainfall on Tuesday. With the intensity of heavy winds expected to cross 100-kmph, District Collectors across North Andhra imposed vehicular restrictions after 9 pm along the national highways. According to Commissioner of Police and Superintendent of Police, the vehicular restrictions will continue until the prevailing weather condition improves. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are extending support in monitoring the prevailing cyclonic conditions. As many as 58 rehabilitation centres were set by the district administration across Visakhapatnam.

APEPDCL deployed 6,051 personnel to handle the emergency situation in 11 operation circles. 74 Teams comprising 575 personnel are focusing on restoration works. 18,040 Electric poles, 1,552 distribution transformers, 179 JCBs, 332 generators, 423 vehicles have been readied to meet any contingencies. Several low-lying areas, including Sheelanagar, Gopalapatnam, Convent junction, Gajuwaka and parts of MVP Colony, were inundated due to incessant rains, while heavy winds flattened several trees in colonies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rani Devalla

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Rani Devalla is an experienced journalist specialised in a range of beats. From crime to politics, health to human interest, education to defence along with entertainment and feature stories, Rani Devalla, an accomplished writer with a passion for exploring diverse genres, has been reporting for the past 14 years. Serving as Bureau Chief of The Hans India in Visakhapatnam, Rani Devalla contributes to the organisation's editorial department through daily reporting, special stories and feature stories. After completing B.Com, Rani Devalla pursued Masters in Human Resource Management. Prior to joining The Hans India, Rani Devalla worked as a Principal Correspondent with The Hindu Group for six-and-a-half years. With rich expertise, she brings diverse perspectives to her reporting that makes her narratives stand out. When not immersed in writing, the journalist spends time reading, travelling and journaling.

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