Hudhud fallout: Losses could go up to Rs 70,000 cr:Naidu

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on wednesday said the exact financial loss caused by Cyclone Hudhud is yet to be calculated even as initial estimates indicate that it can go up to Rs 70,000 crore.
The situation in north coastal districts is still grim and all efforts are being made to bring back normalcy as far as power supply is concerned, Naidu told reporters at the Collectorate here. “It is very difficult to assess the damage and loss caused by the cyclone.
We are still getting reports whether it (total losses in all cyclone-hit districts) is Rs 60,000 crore or Rs 70,000 crore. We cannot come to a figure now. Our immediate priority is to conduct rescue and relief operations in the cyclone-hit areas,” Naidu said. Central teams are expected in Andhra Pradesh in a day or two, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the port city yesterday and announced an interim assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to take up immediate relief works.
He also announced Rs two lakh to the next of kin of those killed in the cyclone and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Most parts of Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam plunged into darkness as thousands of trees were uprooted and fell on  causing power disruptions, following the onslaught of the cyclonic storm. (PTI)