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11/02/2024 03:38:08 pm

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At Least 8 Dead After Powerful Cyclone Hit India

Casualties have increased after a strong cyclone lashed out at India's eastern seaboard over the weekend, leaving at least eight people dead with estimated damages amounting to US$1 billion on Sunday.

Cyclone Hudhud uprooted massive trees, pulverized concrete buildings and killed at least eight people in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in India over the weekend after it brought gusts of over 120 miles per hour on Sunday.

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Reports revealed that more than 300,000 people have been evacuated in the affected areas as the powerful storm disrupted power and communication lines.

The 15-mile eye of the storm passed Andhra Pradesh with a merciless power as more than 130,000 residents were evacuated from the area since Saturday.

"There is huge damage... Even to buildings, trees and also crops. Communication has totally collapsed," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said. He urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare a state of calamity in the country.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patanik vowed to help Andhra Pradesh as much as they can as Odisha mostly evaded massive damage from the storm.

"Teams to clear rods, cut trees and restore power will be sent immediately along with mega generator sets. The special relief commissioners of both states will be in constant touch," an Odisha spokesperson told The Times of India.

Damages were estimated to be at least 100 billion rupees, or about US$1.632 billion.

Cyclone Hudhud had weakened as it continued its course inland on Monday while rescuers prepared aircrafts and ships to distribute relief goods and rescue residents trapped in their homes once daylight comes.

Residents in the affected areas are still advised to stay indoors as rescue operations are about to launch.

At least six deaths were reported on Sunday while two were reported to have died on Saturday including a nine-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy who was reported missing after a rescue boat upturned while they were being evacuated.

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