Fog envelops Agency, hits traffic

Visakhapatnam: The Agency tracts of the district turning out to be pleasant with temperatures dropping to single digits since the winter set in.

During the last few days dense fog has been enveloping many parts disrupting the vehicular traffic to important destinations.

Even normal life has been affected in Chintapalle, Minumuluru, Araku, Paderu, Pedabayalu on Wednesday morning as the minimum temperature dipped to around 4 degrees Celsius.

APSRTC buses and private vehicles connecting to Chintapalli to GK Veedhi, Narsipatnam, Paderu and parts of southern Odisha have been delayed due to poor visibility.

Meanwhile, Lambasingi and surrounding areas woke up to a bone biting chill and fog as the minimum temperature of 3 degree Celsius.

Temperatures remained at this level here which is located 3,000 feet above the sea level. The weather has been attracting tourists both from the city and other parts of the country, but the local people are remaining indoors from 6 pm to 9 am.

Many NGOs have distributed blankets, but only living close to the road points were lucky to get them.

Children and elderly persons though accustomed to the weather are still the worst sufferers. Almost all of them have bonfire in front of their houses to keep themselves warm.

Local reports said there has been thin attendance at the weekly shandies due to the chill weather as many vehicles were not operating in the early hours.

Araku Valley where the mercury dropped to 8 degrees has been attracting tourists even after the Sankranti vacation. Almost all the resorts were full and many returning in the evening due to lack of accommodation.