Chandrababu puts Hudhud losses at Rs 70k cr

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the exact financial loss caused by Cyclone Hudhud is yet to be calculated even as initial estimates indicate that it can go up to Rs 70,000 crore.

The situation in north coastal districts is still grim and all efforts are being made to bring back normalcy as far as power supply is concerned, Naidu told reporters at the Collectorate on Wednesday.

"It is very difficult to assess the damage and loss caused by the cyclone. We are still getting reports whether it (total losses in all cyclone-hit districts) is Rs 60,000 crore or Rs 70,000 crore. We cannot come to a figure now. Our immediate priority is to conduct rescue and relief operations in the cyclone-hit areas," Naidu said.

Central teams (for assessment of losses) are expected in Andhra Pradesh in a day or two, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the port city on Tuesday and announced an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to take up immediate relief works. He also announced Rs two lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the cyclone and Rs 50,000 to the injured.

Most parts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam plunged into darkness as thousands of trees were uprooted and fell on transmission lines causing power disruptions, following the onslaught of the cyclonic storm.

Naidu said power is expected to be partially restored in some places by the evening or tomorrow.

As far as communication is concerned, the Chief Minister said he is talking to mobile service providers and expects services to resume immediately.