It is an unfortunate year for Seemandhra region. First phylin cyclone brought heavy losses in Uttarandhra and now Helen cyclone made the 1996 scene of Natural calamity come back alive to devastate Coastal Andhra. Uncertainty over the bifurcation of the State after a 100 days protest was already made its mark of disappointment in them.

Thousands of coconut trees were felled and many crops were washed by the cyclone when it crossed the coast at a speed of 120 km per hour on Friday. The coconut trees that are standing high are not left with any coconuts. The Paddy produce of which is expected to be brought home within 15 days has been lost in the cyclone. Heavy down pour in East Godavari, West Godavari and Krishna Districts disturbed the daily life.

Because of the downpour for 48 hours with wind blowing at a speed of 120 km electricity supply is disrupted bringing darkness hover on the Coastal Andhra. 1055 electric poles fell down in East Godavari alone.  Over 800 poles have fallen down in West Godavari district.

It is reported that 13 persons died in the calamity in spite of wide arrangements made.  Tahasildar D.Satyanarayana from Penumantra West Godavari district died while going to attend a rescue operation at Mandal office.

The Coastal Andhra people are warned by the authorities that heavy rains may be caused by the cyclone although it crossed the coast.  Still cold gales are present in Krishna district at a speed of 80 km.

One ONGC Offshore ship came floating to the Kakinada Coast from Mumbai as its anchors were cut in the cyclonic storm that made the sea rough.  Landslide is happening at Iskapalli in Nellore district as a result of which the sea waters drowned the fish platform made for fishermen and the buildings constructed for storing the fish.

-SriJa