Tidal waves create panic in villages

Rajamahendravaram: The Cyclone Phethai which made a landfall at Katrenikona village on Monday afternoon created panic in Konaseema area in East Govadavari district. Sea witnessed heavy turbulence with tidal waves raising to about six metre at Antervedi and Odalarevu with huge noise which filled fear among the people of these two coastal villages.

Mandals of Sakhinetipalli ,Razole, Malikipuram, Allavaram, Uppalatguptam, Amalapuram, Mummidivaram, I Polavaram, P Gannavaram and others in Konaseema experienced a heavy rain, flooding several low-lying areas and paddy fields. Movement of traffic was stalled in because of heavy gales, rain and non-availability of transportation.

Speaking to the Hans India, Amalapuram revenue divisional officer Venkata Ramana said that the intensity of Phethai was weakened and it is proceeding towards Odisha. Major losses were averted because of the precautionary measures taken up by district administration.

Stating that there was no loss of life or property in the district, he said 13,500 people were shifted to 114 cyclone shelters in Konaseema area where they would stay on Monday night too. Facilities such as food, drinking water, breakfast, medical aid was provided at the cyclone shelters.

Damaged electric poles were restored, fallen trees were cleared on the roads, Venkata Ramana said. Collector Karthikeya Mishra monitored the cyclone from time to time, he added.