1 month on, Vizag yet to recover

Visakhapatnam: One month has elapsed since the deadly Hudhud cyclone ravaged the port city of Visakhapatnam. The people still feel the trembling of terrified moments when the devastating cyclone made a landfall in the city.

Despite the destruction the Hudhud wrought on the city and people, normal life is returning slowly but steadily. The people have recovered from the shock to some extent but they still live in the shadow of fear. The citizens have never before witnessed such a devastating blow to their city and to their lifestyle.

The Visakhapatnam city, now known as the hub of economic activity in Andhra Pradesh, with its beautiful landscape on sea shore, may take three more years before it is restored to its past glory. The cyclone did not discriminate between the rich and poor. It struck everyone whoever stood in its path. The winds gusting up to 200 km an hour felled trees, polls and hoarding. The rooftops were blown away.

A semblance of normality is being restored with the people voluntarily participating in clearing of the wreckage and the electricity being restored fast, thanks to the efforts by the scores of workers deployed for the purpose. Still there are at least 20 per cent of household are yet to get electricity restored. Andhra University, which is rated as one of the reputed varsity, has suffered immensely. As much as Rs 250 crore worth property is estimated to be damaged on the campus.

The fishermen and the poor are struggling to get back on their feet. The officials are now focussing their attention on restoration of harbour area, to provide succour to fishermen at the earliest.