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Cyclone Helen hits Andhra Pradesh |
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Cyclone Helen Affected Areas
Map showing the districts affected by Cyclone Helen.
Cyclone Helen Track Map
Map showing the track of Cyclone Helen as on 22 Nov 2013.
Cyclone Helen Expected Path
Cyclone Helen hits Andhra Pradesh coast
Cyclone Helen Live Updates
24-11-2013, 4:30 pm:
Cyclone Helen destroys crops across 10 lakh acres
It has been reported that about 10 lakh acres of standing crops have been destroyed in the Krishna Godavari delta areas of Andhra Pradesh because of the cyclone Helen. A loss of Rs 5,000 crore has been estimated with 23 lakh acres of rice and 2.5 lakh acres of crops left damaged in the East and West Godavari districts separately and Krishna district, respectively.
23-11-2013, 3:10 pm:
Cyclone Helen Leaves Six Dead
Cyclone Helen is slowly turning into a disaster, as the cyclone ravaged the state of Andhra Pradesh and left six people dead. Damage to crops has been colossal, with 1.69 hectare of agricultural land estimated to be destroyed in the coastal regions. The state government has already set up close to 100 relief camps, which are housing around 22,000 evacuated people. Help has also been sought from the Indian Air Force, who having helicopters waiting to provide swift help.
23-11-2013, 10:05 am:
Cyclone Helen got weak and went into deep depression last evening, and is now 50 kms south-west of Machilipatnam.
According to State Revenue Minister Mr. Raghuvira Reddy, 6 people have been killed and 20 fishermen are missing because of Cyclone Helen’s impact till now.
22-11-2013, 4:05 pm:
One person killed in an accident in Godavari, and another person, in Machilipatnam, lost his life when a tree fell on him.
22-11-2013, 2:15 pm: Cyclone Helen makes landfall, causes disruption
Cyclone Helen has finally reached Andhra Pradesh, making landfall at Machilipatnam. Winds blowing at 120 km/hr were recorded. The state authorities have already evacuated 11,000 people from the coastal regions. 20 rescue teams have been deployed in anticipation of relief needed.
Emergency Contact Number for Cyclone Helen:
Control Room Numbers
(National Disaster Management Authority): 040-23456005, 23451043
(Krishna District Collector’s Office): 08672-252572, 08672 251077
Friday, 22nd November 2013
Cyclone Helen delayed, to make landfall today
The Cyclone Helen seems to be moving slower than expected and will make landfall today, according to the predictions. The fury of the cyclone is expected to intensify as violent winds will be blowing at 120 km/hr. Extremely heavy local rainfall is expected—as much as 200 mm during Friday night—bringing with it fears of flash floods. Machilipatnam, Vijayawada and Chirala will be the cities most severely hit.
Thursday, 21st November 2013
Evacuation Efforts on as Cyclone Helen Intensifies
Just days after the state of Andhra Pradesh was battered by the fury of Cyclone Phailin, it is preparing to face another calamity. As predicted by the Met department, Cyclone Helen has gained momentum and is likely to do massive damage as it makes landfall this evening at Kavali, Nellore district.
The state government is doing its best to stay prepared. Several teams of the National Disaster Response Force have already been deployed, and preparations are on to evacuate as many as 4 lakh people from the coastal regions.
Expected damage
Cyclone Helen is expected to bring in violent winds blowing at 75 km/hr. It will also be accompanied by a storm surge of 1.5 meters, which will wreak havoc in the low-lying areas. As expressed in an official statement, “Damage to thatched huts, breaking of tree branches, minor damage to power and communication lines are expected over south coastal Andhra Pradesh. Fishermen are advised not to venture out into sea.” It must be pointed out that the Nellore district has already been experiencing heavy showers for the past week.
Several ports of the state have been issued a warning signal, such as Machilipatnam, Krishnapatnam, Nizampatnam, and Vadarevu.
Wednesday, 20th November 2013
Cyclone Helen expected to hit Andhra Pradesh coast in a few hours
Cyclone alert has been sounded for the Bay of Bengal as the depression over the area has intensified and is likely to turn into a tropical cyclone soon. Being termed Cyclone Helen, it is expected to hit the Andhra coast sometime on Thursday evening, accompanied by heavy rainfall and winds blowing at 75 km/hr. The sea is expected to be turbulent, and heavy showers are expected along the coasts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry also.
It is noteworthy that another cyclone is expected to develop in the South China Sea over the next few days. Whether this has any bearing on India remains to be seen, although the international agencies are already keeping a close watch on it.
