Cyclone Hudhud and its Management

An Introspection

By
Prof. S. Rama Krishna Rao
Prof. E.U.B. Reddi Prof. K. Kameswara Rao Prof. P.S. Rajasekhar
Prof. T. Byragi Reddy Prof. P.V.V. Prasada Rao Prof. A.J. Solomon Raju

Sponsored by
GoI-UNDP Climate Risk (Disaster) Management Project

Department of Environmental Sciences,

Andhra University
Visakhapatnam, India
2015
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 Acknowledgements

We express our gratitude to Prof. G.S.N. Raju, Vice Chancellor of Andhra

University and Prof. V. Uma Maheswara Rao, Registrar, Andhra University for their
encouragement and cooperation.

We thank Dr. N. Yuva Raj, I.A.S, District Collector, Visakhapatnam, Mr.

Pravin Kumar, I.A.S, Commissioner, GVMC Government officials and the noble
community for their help and cooperation during the data collection and preparation
of the report.

We thank the Mr. G. Padmanabhan, Emergency Analyst, Disaster

Management Unit, UNDP, New Delhi, Ms. Abha Mishra, National Project
Coordinator, UNDP, New Delhi and Mr. Nagendra Kumar Biyani, State Project
Officer, Andhra Pradesh and Mr. Abdul Sattar, CPC, Vijayawada for their support
and guidance for successful completion of this report.

Prof. S. Rama Krishna Rao & Team

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 Team members

Prof. S. Ramakrishna Rao, Civil Engineering (Coordinator)

Prof. E.U.B.Reddi, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. K. Kameswara Rao, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. P.S. Rajasekhar, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. P.V.V. Prasada Rao, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. T.Byragi Reddy, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. A.J. Solman Raju, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

Prof. S. Bala Prasad, Civil Engineering, Andhra University

Prof. R. Satya Raju, Commerce & Management Studies, Andhra University

Dr. P. Sudheer Kumar, Architecture & Planning, Andhra University

Dr. D. Mukund, Dept. of Civil Engineering, GITAM University

Dr. Biswanath Dash, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

Mr. Sk. Abdul Sattar, UNDP-GoI Project, Vijayawada

Dr. N. Srinivasa Rajamani, UNDP-GoI Project, Visakhapatnam

Mr. P. Eswara Rao, Environmental Sciences, Andhra University

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 Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction 5

1.1 Cyclone Hudhud & Visakhapatnam

1.2 Cyclone Hudhud – Origin, development, landfall & salient features
1.3 Description of the study area
1.4 Work carried out under case study

Chapter 2: Pre-disaster activities – Detection & Preparedness 11

2.1 Monitoring & prediction of cyclone

2.2 Actions taken by government
2.2.1 Early warning system & information dissemination
2.2.2 Preparatory action of the State Government & District Administration
2.2.3 Risk Prevention & mitigation activities
2.3 Community awareness and support

Chapter 3: Cyclone - Intensity, Impact & Government Response 19

3.1 Intensity of cyclone Hudhud

3.2 Impact of cyclone Hudhud
3.3 Response activities by government authorities

Chapter 4: After disaster – Relief to Recovery 25

4.1 Relief operations

4.2 Restoration activities

Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations 33

Annexure(s) 36

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Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Cyclone Hudhud & Visakhapatnam
1.2 Cyclone Hudhud – Origin, development, landfall & salient features
1.3 Description of the study area
1.4 Work carried out under case study

1.1 Cyclone Hudhud & Visakhapatnam

The cyclone Hudhud - land fall took place near Visakhapatnam on 12th October 2014
with a wind speed of >220 kmph, was the strongest and most destructive ‘tropical severe
cyclonic storm’ to ever hit any Indian city. The cyclone has affected 320 villages across 44
sub-districts in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, East Godavari districts of
Andhra Pradesh state and some rural pockets in four districts of south Odisha state in India.
The city of Visakhapatnam was heavily damaged, including the airport, a number of
buildings, electrical and telecommunication systems, port installations, industrial structures,
roads and green cover. Similarly districts of Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram
have encountered damages to infrastructure, communications, kutcha houses and livelihoods.
The cyclone Hudhud landed exactly one year after cyclone Phailin, which affected Odisha
and caused heavy damages and subsequent flooding.
Many times cyclones that came towards Visakhapatnam has changed their direction
few hours before the land fall and created a belief that Visakhapatnam is a safe coastal city
w.r.t cyclone. But, the Hudhud cyclone proved that Visakhapatnam is not an exception to
cyclonic path and its impact. It was not only a disaster for the community at large but also
worked as an awakening incident to government officials and community to invest in
preparedness and mitigation.
The preparedness and response action taken by government and district
administration, before and during the Hudhud cyclone incident have minimized the damage
to the property and possible human loss. Similarly the actions taken after the incident have
paved a way for early restoration of normal life in the Visakhapatnam city and in other
affected areas. Hudhud cyclone is first of its kind in the region and somewhat different from
other cyclones. Andhra Pradesh, without having rich experience of severe cyclone disasters in
recent times, has managed well the Hudhud incident, in spite of its capacity to be a major
disaster with respect to human loss.
The intense follow up by local Government administration after communication on
early warning issued by Indian Meteorological Department & NASA, which has alerted both
the States administration [Andhra Pradesh & Odisha] results reduction of major loss of life,
by evacuation of vulnerable population from Cyclone affected areas. The commendable
services extended by Districts administration in preparedness and even some places forceful
evacuation of civilians by local police was a remarkable event. The regulation of traffic on
the previous day of the hudhud on the national highway and passing of the information to the
nook and corners of the mandals has saved lot of loss of life including that of the animals.
The disconnection of power on the night previous to the storm till the passing off has also
5
saved the life of stray animals and birds. All said and done the measures taken by the Andhra
Pradesh state government under the leadership of Shri. N. Chandra Babu Naidu and his
council of ministers are most appreciable apprehending the major disaster and preventing the
colossal damage to the minimum possible extent. The rehabilitation of the people and
resumption of services of different sectors after the disaster is the untiring efforts of the
administration and local elected representatives taking the reviews from the honourable chief
minister who was guiding force, is much laudable.
Indian sub-continent is vulnerable to various natural disasters which need attention
from government to minimize losses and damages. Coming to East coast of India, this part of
the country is much vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Comparing to previous worst cyclone
disasters, during Hudhud cyclone the human loss is minimized and restoration to normal life
has taken place very fast but heavy economic loss was incurred. It is important to document
the best practices and lessons learned from Hudhud cyclone, to give some insight to
government authorities who would use it to plan well for future cyclones and bring
improvements in disaster management system.

Objectives of the study

This case study is conducted to document the best practices followed, cyclone
operations/ experiences and lessons learnt by government authorities and community, so that
in future the cyclone management can easily be tackled.
The objective of the study is:
 To assess the community preparedness and response to withstand the recent disaster
in Andhra Pradesh, namely “Cyclone Hudhud” and to identify gaps and challenges in
light of the vulnerability status of the communities.
 To evaluate the role of state level institutions during the Cyclone Hudhud and advise
strategy for further strengthening the linkages and coordination with communities for
better preparedness and response in future disasters.
 To outline a resilient building approach of the community to be followed in the state.

Methodology of the case study

The case study was conducted with a team of professors, disaster management
experts, government officials involved during Hudhud operations and stakeholders. Data
collected from government officials and community by conducting consultation
meetings/FGDs. The collected data has been analyzed and a draft report was prepared and
submitted for review of experts.

1.2 Hudhud – Origin, development, landfall & salient features

The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Hudhud’ (07-14 Oct. 2014) developed from a low
pressure area which lay over Tenasserim coast and adjoining North Andaman Sea in the
morning of 6th Oct. 2014. It was concentrated into a Depression in the morning of the 7th
Oct. over the North Andaman Sea. Moving west-northwestwards it intensified into a Cyclonic
Storm (CS) in the morning of 8th Oct. and crossed Andaman Islands close to Long Island
6
between 0830 and 0930 hrs IST of 8th October. It then emerged into Southeast Bay of Bengal
and continued to move west-northwestwards. It intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm
(SCS) in the morning of 09th October and further into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS)
in the afternoon of 10th October. It continued to intensify while moving northwestwards and
reached maximum intensity in the early morning of 12th with a maximum sustained wind
speed (MSW) of 180 kmph over the West Central Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh coast. It
crossed north Andhra Pradesh coast over Visakhapatnam (VSK) between 1200 and 1300 hrs
IST of 12th October with the same wind speed. After landfall, it continued to move
northwestwards for some time and weakened gradually into SCS in the evening and further
into a CS in the same midnight. It then, weakened further into a Deep Depression in the early
morning of 13th and weakened into a depression in the evening of 13th. Thereafter, it moved
nearly northward and weakened into a well-marked low pressure area over East Uttar Pradesh
and neighborhood in the evening of 14th October 2014. (IMD, India)

The salient features of Hudhud Cyclone are as follows:

i. Hudhud is the first cyclone that crossed Visakhapatnam coast in the month of
Oct., after 1985 and it made landfall on the same day as VSCS Phailin did in
2013 at Odisha state, India.
ii. At the time of landfall on 12th October the estimated maximum sustained surface wind
speed in association with the cyclone was about 100 Knots.
iii. The estimated central pressure was 950 hPa with a pressure drop of 54 hPa at the
centre compared to surroundings.
iv. It caused very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over North Andhra Pradesh and
South Odisha and strong gale winds leading to large scale structural damage over North
Andhra Pradesh and adjoining districts of South Odisha and storm surge over North
Andhra Pradesh.coast Maximum 24 hour cumulative rainfall of 38 cm ending at 0830 hrs
IST of 13th October was reported from Gantyada (dist Vizianagaram) in Andhra Pradesh.
v. Maximum of storm surge of 1.4 meters above the astronomical tide has been reported
by the tide gauge at Visakhapatnam.
vi. The numerical weather prediction (NWP) and dynamical statistical models provided
good guidance with respect to its genesis, track and intensity. Though there was
divergence in model guidance with respect to landfall point and time in the initial stage,
the consensus among the models emerged as the cyclone moved closer to the coast.
viii. India Meteorological Department (IMD) accurately predicted the genesis, intensity,
track and point & time of landfall and also the adverse weather like heavy rainfall, gale
wind and storm surge 4-5 days in advance. (IMD, India)

1.3 Description of the study area

Visakhapatnam situated in east coast of India, is a fast developing coastal city,
administrative headquarters of the district and largest urban agglomeration in Andhra Pradesh
state, India. Originally, the city was a small fishing village. But because of industrialization
and urban attractions, in recent years, there has been a spurt in investments in the city giving
further impetus to transform the city as a future mega city.

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 In Physiographic setting, the City stretches North to South on a reach and is like a
bowl shaped basin surrounded by hilly regions covered by the Eastern Ghats on three sides,
with Bay of Bengal on the Eastern side. The city’s area extent can be divided into four
physiographic divisions: Hill ranges, Hill slopes, Central plain area and Coastal zone. The
entire city lies within two prominent hill ranges, Yarada and Adivivaram with a height of 500
mts above MSL. The central plain area is occupied by a marsh. The plain zone is connected
to sea through Naravagedda flowing from above till it touches the marshy zone. The
elevations in the marshy area vary between 1mt and 4 mts above MSL. The coastal zone of
Visakhapatnam is very narrow with widths varying from 30 – 100 mts and rises to 5 – 10 mts
above MSL. The city has a long coastline with the beach front providing for recreation and
relief to the city populations for summer heat and high humidity. There are vast recreational
areas like parks, amusement parks, hotels and commercial complexes. A number of high
raised buildings have come up on landward side of the road on the beach front. The main
surface sources of water for the city of Visakhapatnam are various reservoirs.
Coming to climate, the city area falls under semi-arid type of climate with no
appreciable seasonal fluctuations. Owing to its proximity to the sea with the attendant high
humidity in the atmosphere, the fluctuations in temperature are fairly uniform except during
the dry months when the rise in temperature is higher than it is during the monsoon period.
From February onwards, the temperature rises progressively till May, which is the hottest
month. During the years 1931 – 1960’ the mean maximum temperature was 340C. This has
been showing an upward trend with the mean maximum temperature for the period 1975 –
2005 being reported as 380 C. The mean minimum temperature reported during 1931- 1960 is
250 C and that during 1975 –2005 is 290C. In recent years, it is not uncommon for the day
temperature to exceed 430 C during May (summer). In winter season (December – January
period) the mean maximum temperature during 1931- ’60 was 270 C while it was 32oc during
1975 – 2005. The mean minimum temperatures during the corresponding periods were 160C
and 200C respectively. The significant upward trend in the mean temperatures may be an
indication of the effect of industrialization, denudation of green cover and global climatic
changes. May is the hottest month with an average maximum temperature of about 36°C; and
January is the coolest month with an average maximum temperature of about 29°C. In the
Bay of Bengal, depressions are likely to be encountered in all seasons of the year with a
gradual fall in pressure. On an average 4 to 5 cyclones per year occur. Waves of over 1.5 mt.
in the height may be expected approximately 14% of the time. The daily record of tidal
levels shows two highs and two lows.
The city with ~ 18 Lakhs population and ~620 sq.kms area is divided into 8 zones and
83 wards by the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). The
Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) has a jurisdiction of 1721 sq.kms
and covers a population of 22 lakhs, comprising part of Visakhapatnam district (1418.10 sq.
km) and part of Vizianagaram district (302.90 sq. km) (Master plan for Visakhapatnam
Metropolitan Region Perspective-2021, 2003).
A key feature of population growth in Visakhapatnam is that the people living in
surrounding areas, especially from the nearby districts are migrating in search of livelihoods

8
owing to rapid fast growth of industrialisation to the city. At present in Visakhapatnam there
are total number of 427 industries in which 48 are green category, 210 are orange category
and 169 are red category industries existed. Visakhapatnam city is characterized by a very
significant presence of the urban poor, with a growing poverty profile. At present there are
472 slums and the slum population is over 6 lakhs.
In the district of Visakhapatnam sufficient forest cover can be seen in the Eastern
Ghats, which are the important biodiversity rich places. As most of the city area comes under
industrial zone the vegetation mostly comprises of plantations and the vegetation found on
the hills. Most of the hills the predominant vegetation is shrub jungle type. Along the shore in
very limited region mangroves can be seen. Beach vegetation in the city area is in decreasing
trend. The city is vulnerable to key hazards namely – cyclones, tsunami, industrial accidents
and epidemics.

Work carried out under case study

- Started case study work in Andhra University, Visakhapatnam by forming a team.

- The concept note cum plan of work was finalized after consultation with UNDP.
- Conducted field works at Visakhapatnam and collected data from various sources
including government officials and community in Visakhapatnam.
- Community field visits, consultations and Focus Group Discussions were
conducted at fishermen villages, slums, urban residential areas and other
town/villages which were affected during the cyclone.
The coastal fishermen areas covered are Peda Waltair Jalaripeta, Jalari
Yandada, Vasavani Palem, Jodugullapalem, Rushikonda,
Managamaripeta, Uppada, Bhimili (Bhimunipatnam), Kotta Jalaripeta,
Fishing Harbour, Gangavaram Jalaripeta (Yarada), Appikonda,
Mutyalammapalem and Pudimadaka.
Residential areas covered are Peda Waltair, China Waltair,
Simhachalam, Murali nagar, Gajuwaka, Yendada, Madhurawada,
Anandapuram, Sagar nagar, M.V.P. Colony, H.B. Colony,
Kailashpuram, Sheela Nagar, Siripuaram, Purna Market, Thomson
Street, Kota veedhi, Town Hall, Relli Veedi, Yarada, Bhimili, R.K.
Beach, Lawsons Bay Colony, Parawada, Ukkunagaram etc.
Other areas covered are Araku, Dumbiriguda, Narasipatnam,
Vijayanagaram, Srikakulam, Paderu etc.

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- A consultation meeting to document the Hudhud cyclone experiences was held on
26th June 2015 at Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) with
city administration officials who were involved in Hudhud cyclone operations.
Additional Commissioner (General), Dy. Commissioner (Revenue), Zonal
Commissioners, Chief City Planner, Executive Engineers, Assistant Engineers,
Medical/Public Health officers etc participated in the meeting.
A questionnaire developed was circulated seeking information from the
participants. The format is given in the annexure II.
- Discussions made with Officials of IMD, NDRF, Fire Service, major industries,
District Administrations of Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam on Hudhud cyclone
experiences and management.
- Collected secondary data, videos, news paper articles, district reports,
photographs.
- Carried out review of literature, collected primary data and reports.

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Chapter 2: Pre-disaster activities – Detection & Preparedness

2.1 Monitoring & prediction of cyclone

2.2 Actions taken by government
2.2.1 Early warning system & information dissemination
2.2.2 Preparatory action of the State Government & District
Administration
2.2.3 Risk Prevention & mitigation activities
2.3 Community awareness and support

2.1 Monitoring & Prediction of cyclone (by IMD, India)

The VSCS Hudhud was predicted & monitored continuously since its inception by the
IMD. The forecast of its genesis on 7th Oct., its track, intensity, point & time of landfall, as
well as associated adverse weather like heavy rain, gale wind & storm surge were predicted
exceedingly well with sufficient lead time which helped the disaster managers to maximize
the management of cyclone in an exemplary manner. (IMD, India)
At the genesis stage, the system was monitored mainly with satellite observations,
supported by meteorological buoys and coastal and island observations. As the system
entered into the east central Bay of Bengal moving away from Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
it was mainly monitored by satellite observations supported by buoys. From 11th Oct. early
morning, as the system lay within the range of the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at
Visakhapatnam, continuous monitoring by this radar started from 0330 hrs IST of 11th Oct.
when the system was at about 350 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam coast and continued
till 1020 hrs IST of 12th Oct. when the DWR Visakhapatnam products were not accessible
due to disruption of telecommunication in association with the wall cloud region entering into
North Andhra Pradesh. In addition, the observations from satellite and coastal observations,
conventional observatories and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) were used. While coastal
surface observations were taken on hourly basis, the half hourly INSAT/ Kalpana imageries
and every 10 minute DWR imageries, available microwave imageries and scatterometry
products were used for monitoring of cyclone Hudhud. DWR Machilipatnam was also
utilized for monitoring this system when VSCS Hudhud was lying close to the
Visakhapatnam coast on 12th Oct. (IMD, India)
Various national and international Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models and
dynamical-statistical models including IMD’s and NCMRWF’s global and mesoscale
models, dynamical statistical models for genesis and intensity were utilized to predict the
genesis, track and intensity of the storm. Tropical Cyclone Module, the digitized forecasting
system of IMD was utilized for analysis and comparison of various models guidance,
decision making process and warning product generation. (IMD, India)

Major initiatives during VSCS Hudhud

Following are the major initiatives taken by IMD for monitoring, prediction and
warning services of VSCS Hudhud.

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(i) Observations:
 The products of INSAT-3D satellite were fully utilized for the first time with the
development of new products like enhanced IR imageries and colored enhanced
imageries and were made available through an exclusive page for cyclone images in
IMD website (www.imd.gov.in). The satellite data was also ingested in model runs at
NCMRWF.
 All the existing High Wind Speed Recorders (HWSR) were made operational around
the path of cyclone Hudhud. 1-min wind data from HWSR were recorded along with
1 second peak gust.
(ii) Monitoring and analysis:
 In addition to existing 3 hourly monitoring, hourly monitoring and analysis was
carried out on the date of landfall.
(iii) Prediction Technique:
 During VSCS Hudhud, Hurricane Weather Research Forecast (HWRF) model was
run by IMD and IIT Delhi with 27/9/3 km resolution based on 00 and 12 UTC
observations and products were made available to Cyclone Warning Division.
(iv) Operational Forecasting:
 Hourly updates on the movement and intensity of VSCS Hudhud were made available
to the National and State level disaster managers and media persons on the day of
landfall from 0530 hrs IST of 12th till landfall.
(v) Warning bulletins and Products:
 In view of the improvements in operational track forecast during last five years, the
cone of uncertainty has been reduced by about 20-32 % for 24-120 hr forecast period
w.e.f. VSCS Hudhud. The new radii of cone of uncertainty are 120, 200, 270, 320 and
360 km for 24-, 48-, 72-, 96- and 120- hrs respectively.

Landfall point and time

The place and time of landfall was determined through monitoring of hourly
observations from the coastal stations. The veering of wind over Visakhapatnam and backing
of wind over Tuni along with the lowest pressure and maximum sustained surface wind over
Visakhapatnam clearly suggested the landfall over Visakhapatnam between 1200 and 1300
hrs IST of 12th Oct. Similar was the case considering the landfall near Long Island on 8th
Oct. between 0830 and 0930 hrs IST of 8th Oct. 2014 as Long Island reported lowest mean
sea level pressure and veering of wind. (IMD, India)

Maximum Sustained Surface Wind speed (MSW) and estimated central pressure at the
time of landfall:
The MSW in association with a cyclone affecting Indian coasts is defined as the
average surface wind speed over a period of 3 minutes measured at a height of 10 meters. The
MSW is either estimated by the remotely sensed observations or recorded by the surface
based instruments. As the VSCS, Hudhud crossed Andhra Pradesh coast over

12
Visakhapatnam, the MSW in its association at the time of landfall has been observed and
recorded by the High Wind Speed Recorder (HWSR) located at the Cyclone Warning Centre
(CWC), (IMD), Visakhapatnam. It has also been observed by an Automatic Weather Station
(AWS) installed in a ship located near Visakhapatnam port by the Indian National Centre for
Ocean Information System (INCOIS), Hyderabad.
The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) of IMD at Kailasagiri, Visakhapatnam also
continuously monitored the VSCS, Hudhud and measured the MSW in terms of radial
velocity. Based on satellite imagery, an empirical technique known as the Dvorak technique
is utilized worldwide to estimate the intensity of cyclone and hence the associated MSW.
Further, the IMD observatory at the CWC, VSK continuously monitored the Mean Sea Level
Pressure (MSLP) during the landfall of cyclone, Hudhud. Based on the observation of the
pressure drop at the centre, MSW can also be estimated using the empirical pressure-wind
relationship (MSW= 14.2* √ pressure drop at the centre). These are the basic standard
methods used worldwide to estimate the MSW or intensity of the cyclone. (IMD, India)

Estimated central pressure of VSCS, Hudhud

As a result, 24-hour pressure fall ending at 0600 UTC of 12th was 45 hPa and the
lowest pressure was 950.3 hPa as recorded at 0700 UTC over Visakhapatnam (time of
landfall). Thereafter the pressure rose sharply as the VSCS crossed coast and filled in due to
increase in surface pressure and cut off from moisture supply. (IMD, India)

Storm surge forecast

The storm surge models of INCOIS and IIT, Delhi provided prediction of storm surge
of 1-2.5 meters. Maximum Storm Surge forecast by INCOIS model based on 11th October
2014, 1430 IST data was 2.5 m at Chepaluppada, Bheemunipatnam mandal and
Visakhapatnam district of North Andhra Pradesh. Storm surge predicted for Visakhapatnam
city was 1.6 m. Based on 12th October, 1130 IST conditions, IIT Delhi model predicted 2.1
m at 17.65°N, 83.50°E. (IMD, India)

2.2 Actions taken by government

2.2.1 Early warning system & information dissemination
Warning Dissemination:
 During VSCS Hudhud Agricultural Meteorology Division, IMD, Pune in coordination
with Agromet Field Units and Cyclone Warning Division, IMD, New Delhi
disseminated Alert and Agromet Advisory in the affected districts of Andhra Pradesh,
Odisha from 9th October onwards and for the states of Telangana, Bihar, Chattisgarh,
Jharkhand, East Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh and Gangetic West Bengal from
11th onwards. Overall 1,91,4872 SMSs were sent to the farmers and local people of
affected states.
 INCOIS, Hyderabad disseminated warnings through SMS and Electronic Display
Boards (EDB) to coastal population especially meant for fishermen. Cyclone
Warnings issued by IMD were also incorporated in the bulletins issued by INCOIS.

13
  SMS to Disaster Managers at National level and up to District Collector level
 A new dedicated website for cyclone (www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in) has been
developed and was fully operational during VSCS Hudhud.
 The Direct to Home (DTH) service through cable service operators has been installed
at 178 places out of proposed 500 stations for cyclone warning communication in the
coastal regions.
 Internet Lease Line Bandwidth was upgraded from 60mpbs to 100 mpbs during the
cyclonic storm ‘Hudhud’ failure-free accessibility of IMD website. (IMD, India)

Bulletins issued by IMD

IMD continuously monitored, predicted and issued bulletins containing track &
intensity forecast at +06, +12, +18, +24, +36, +48, +60, +72, +84, +96, +108 and +120 hrs or
till the system weakened into a low pressure area. The above structured track and intensity
forecasts were issued from the stage of deep depression onwards. The cone of uncertainty in
the track forecast was also given for all cyclones. The radius of maximum wind and radius of
≥ 28 knots, ≥34 knots, ≥50 knots and ≥64 knots wind in four quadrants of cyclone was also
issued for every six hours. The graphical display of the observed and forecast track with cone
of uncertainty and the wind forecast for different quadrants were uploaded in the RSMC,
New Delhi website (http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/) regularly. The storm surge forecast was
given based on INCOIS and IIT, Delhi model. The prognostics and diagnostics of the systems
were described in the RSMC bulletins and tropical cyclone advisory bulletins. The TCAC
bulletin was also sent to Asian Disaster Risk Reduction (ADRR) centre of WMO at
Honkong. Tropical cyclone vitals were prepared every six hourly from deep depression stage
onwards to various NWP modeling groups in India for bogusing purpose. (IMD, India)

Operational Forecast Performance (IMD, India)

Following are the salient features of the bulletins issued by IMD.
(i) 6th October (morning): Forecast for intensification of low into depression by 7th
Oct over Andaman Sea and subsequently into a cyclonic storm on 8th Oct near Andaman
Islands.
(ii) 7th October (morning): Depression formed in the morning of 7th Oct. over north
Andaman Sea and regular special bulletin commenced. Forecast was issued for further
intensification into a deep depression within 24 hours and further into a cyclonic storm on 8th
October and to cross Andaman & Nicobar Islands close to Long Island by 8th forenoon. It
was further predicted that it would intensify further and move towards north Andhra Pradesh-
Odisha coast during subsequent 72 hrs.
(iii) 7th October (evening): With the formation of deep depression, it was predicted in the
evening of 7th October that it would become VSCS and cross between Visakhapatnam and
Gopalpur coast a s depicted in the track forecast graph maximum wind speed of 130 to
140kmph gusting to 155kmph would prevail along and off across Andhra Pradesh coast on
12th October.
(iv) 8th October (morning): Forecast was issued for Cyclonic Storm to intensify further to a
severe cyclonic storm by 9th and further into a VSCS by 10th evening. Further it was stated

14
that it would cross north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coast between
Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur around noon of 12th October with wind speed of 130 to 140
gusting to 155kmph. However, in the track forecast graphics, the landfall was indicated to be
near Visakhapatnam.
(v) 9th October morning: It was predicted that cyclone would cross north Andhra Pradesh
coast around Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 12th October.
(vi) 10th evening: Further intensification of the system with MSW of 140-150 kmph gusting
to 165 kmph by 11th evening, was predicted. Further it was stated that it would cross north
Andhra Pradesh coast around Visakhapatnam by the forenoon of 12th October.
(vii) 11th morning: Further intensification of the system with MSW 170-180 kmph gusting
to 195 kmph by 12th morning was predicted. Further, it was forecast that it would cross north
coastal Andhra Pradesh coast around Visakhapatnam around noon of 12th October.

2.2.2 Preparatory action of the State Government & District Administration

Based on the IMD reports, the following preparatory actions were initiated by the
State Government.
Dates: 08-10-2014 and 09-10-2014:
 Video conference of the Hon’ble Chief Minister with the District
Administration.
 Video conference of the Commissioner, Disaster Management with the District
Administration.
 Control Rooms were opened at the District Head Quarters and Mandal Head
Quarters and also at the Offices of GVMC, APEPDCL, Police, etc.
 Chief Secretary reviewed the Commissioner, Disaster Management.

Date: 10-10-2014:
 Cabinet Secretary reviewed the Cyclone Preparation action.
 District Collector held a meeting with District Officials and mandal level teams
regarding cyclone preparedness.

According to the instructions of the District Collector, the following steps were taken:
1. The District Administration evacuated thousands of coastal village’s people to relief
centres/safer places and activated all good conditioned cyclone centres. Utmost care was
taken to provide good civic amenities at these cyclone shelters.
Relief Camps
 Total relief camps : 47
 People rehabilitated : 65,000
 Period of relief camps : from 11th to 16th October 2014
2. In addition to the relief camps, food packets and other food items were supplied to the
public at their homes.
3. All flights from Vizag were cancelled from Saturday afternoon.

15
4. Restrictions were imposed on vehicular movement along 350 km of National Highway
16, from Itchapuram in Srikakulam to Payakaraopeta in Vizag district from Saturday
evening and no vehicle was allowed on NH 16, barring emergency cyclone relief vehicles
and ambulances.
5. APSRTC had cancelled long-distance buses.
6. All essential commodities were lifted and stocked at or near to relief centres and safer
places.
7. NDRF teams (46 no) were placed at six locations across the district with 6 helicopters and
200 rubber boats.
8. All logistics such as wireless sets, Police VHF Sets were arranged. The state government
also provided satellite phones.
9. Navy was alerted for any time deployment and one contingent of Army force was placed
at positions.
10. Times to time satellite pictures were viewed to track the location and speed of the
cyclone. Both Indian and U.S. sites were closely observed. Once in the range of 200 Nm,
Doppler radar was also was fully utilized for assessing the track, time and rainfall.
11. A group on Telegram involving all the district officials was created to share real time
information and pictures.

Date: 11-10-2014:
 By Video conference Chief Secretary reviewed all the above actions.
 As per the instructions railway cancelled 46 trains and diverted routes of 31
trains.
 All information about the progress of the cyclone, its proposed place of landfall
and the precautions to be taken by the state government were propagated
through FM radio, electronic media, AIR, etc especially about not to come out
of the house till the cyclone subsides entirely.
 Regular monitoring of the relief centres were conducted by higher officials.
 Two thousand emergency staff were placed for emergency operations with 40
Walky-Talky and ~4000 electric poles.
 In the Visakhapatnam district 48 medical teams and 2 mobile medical teams
with 47 ambulances were deployed to serve in 126 identified vulnerable
villages.
 City administration GVMC placed 52 medical teams in the city for the purpose
of first aid and medical support. Coming to details, for each zone the following
number of teams were sent for support. Zone I – 13 medical teams, Zone II – 3
medical teams, Zone III – 5 medical teams, Zone IV – 15 medical teams, Zone
V – 9 medical teams, Zone VI – 2 medical teams, Ankapalli Zone – 2 medical
teams and at Bhimili Zone – 3 medical teams were placed.
 Government hospital i.e., King George Hospital (KGH) made arrangements of
60 kv, 125 kv and 80 kv power generators for power supply to wards, operation

16
 theatres, ICUs etc. Many private hospitals in the city also taken necessary
precautions to continue undisturbed medical support to patients.
 Meghadrigedda reservoir is one of the main sources for drinking water supply to
the Visakhapatnam city. Its highest water baring capacity is 61 feet. As already
its water level was reached 51 feet, instructions were given to its staff to open
the reservoir gates, if its water level reaches 58 feet.
 Evacuated 4000 people to 6 camps at Anakapalli division, 5000 people to 14
camps at Narsipatnam division and 21,000 people to 61 camps at GVMC limits.
 Government stored cooking gas/fuel, petrol and rice at various places to use
them when required. Suggested public to store food items, vegetables and other
basic necessities for three days.
 Elected political representatives (MLAs) and government higher officials were
visited vulnerable locations in their areas and requested people to shift to safe
locations or rehabilitation centres.
2.2.3 Risk prevention and mitigation activities
Based on early warning by IMD/Cyclone Warning Center/INCOSIS district
administration in coordination with city administration (GVMC), police, fire services
and other line departments taken the following actions, to minimize the possible loss
and damages.
- The information related to cyclone Hudhud formation, its status, rising intensity
etc., were disseminated to government authorities and public time to time. Media
and all means of communication media were utilized very well to give alerts.
- Precautions related to cyclones, (especially do’s & don’ts) were printed in news
papers in both English and local Telugu language in most of the news papers as
with Chief Ministers message. News papers and television channels were served
very well to generate awareness and alert of the situation.
- Teams of Government officials were moved very fast to identify and evacuate
people in low laying and vulnerable areas. To identify these areas utilized
available information in records and their field experience. Alerted the people in
the city that not to come out during the cyclone which is having high wind
velocity.
- The cyclone shelters in the region are not in a condition to accommodate people
because of deteriorating conditions and lack of facilities like power, water supply,
toilets and sanitation etc. So nearby schools, strong buildings of public/private
properties, community halls etc., at various safe places in the city were identified
and established as the relief camps. Total relief camps established during this
period are 223 in the cyclone affected areas, whereas within GVMC limits the
numbers of relief camps established were 61 and at sub urban areas are 20.
- Evacuated more than 1,35,000 persons from vulnerable and risky areas. At most
of the places people supported for evacuation, while in some areas forced
evacuation was done because of emergency situation. Special care has been taken
to provide basic necessities/facilities for women and children.

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2.3 Community awareness and support
People in the Visakhapatnam city are much aware of industrial accidents, but
coming to natural hazards the awareness level is very less, especially in vulnerable
locations. When government officials visited vulnerable locations and requested people to
evacuate from their areas, most of the people were not supported. But as the cyclone
intensity is raised continuously people supported to government officials in evacuation.
On the night of 11th October as the situation started to goes worst, people in the coastal
fishermen areas and slums reached to identified rehabilitation shelters and nearby safe
buildings to escape from the cyclonic winds.

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Chapter 3: Cyclone - Intensity, Impact & Government Response
3.1 Intensity of cyclone Hudhud
3.2 Impact of cyclone Hudhud
3.3 Response activities by government authorities

3.1 Intensity of cyclone Hudhud

As per IMD reports, based on INSAT-3D satellite imageries, a low level circulation
developed over Tenasserim coast in the morning of 6th Oct. 2014 was intensified day by day
and became as a VSCS- Hudhud, crossed at 17.9°N/83.2°E of Visakhapatnam coast, Andhra
Pradesh, India between 1200 and 1300 hrs IST of 12th October 2014. At the time of landfall,
according to HWSR located at the CWC, IMD, Visakhapatnam, one-minute average
Maximum Sustained Surface Wind speed (MSW) was about 74 knots (137kmph) at 1101
hours IST and the 3-minute average MSW which is the standard practice of the IMD was
about 69 knots (128kmph) at 1103 hours IST over Visakhapatnam. The AWS installed at a
ship near Visakhapatnam port recorded one-minute average MSW of 181.6 kmph around the
time of landfall. According to interpretation of satellite imageries, as per Dvorak technique
by the IMD, the Hudhud cyclone intensity was T5.0 on intensity scale which corresponds to
an MSW of about 90-100 knots (167-185 kmph). The DWR, VSK recorded 67 meters per
second or 130 knots (241kmph) at a height of about 200 meters. The one second peak gust
wind speed was 140.6 knots (260 kmph) at 1042 hours IST at Visakhapatnam. These strong
gale winds with rain started right from 4.00 A.M onwards on 12.10.2014 leaded to large scale
structural damages.
As per the Radar observations started from 11th October, the cyclones eye was
fluctuated as closed and open eye. The cyclones maximum eye diameter was 52 km at 0730
hrs IST of 11th October. At the time of land fall, the cyclone eye was varied in between 36-
46 km on 12th October. According to the observation taken in the IMD observatory at
Visakhapatnam, the lowest central pressure was 950.3hPa, the pressure drop at the centre was
54hPa and the outermost pressure of the cyclone was 1004hPa. The maximum convective
band in the wall cloud region was limited to northwest sector and adjoining southwest sector
around the centre initially on 11th. During landfall, the maximum rainfall region shifted to
northeast sector leading to very heavy (124.5 to 244.4 mm) to extremely heavy (≥244.5 mm)
rainfall over North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha. Maximum 24 hour cumulative rainfall
of 38 cm ending at 0830 hrs IST of 13 October was reported from Gantyada (dist
Vizianagaram) in Andhra Pradesh. Apart from North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha,
there has been good rainfall activity over Chhattisgarh, East Uttar Pradesh Bihar and over
Nepal. Observed Storm Surge recorded by the INCOIS tide gauge was 1.4m above
astronomical tide at Visakhapatnam.
During the land fall of the Hudhud Cyclone, while it crossing through Visakhapatnam
city, the first hit by it cyclonic wall region entering the city was during ~10.15 am to ~12.15 pm
was with wind speed of 180 Kmph and again second hit i.e., crossing of cyclonic wall region
through city was took place during ~12.45 P.M to ~2.45 pm with wind speed of > 200 Kmph.

19
Heavy rains with gales continued from 4.00 am to 9 pm with 195 Kmph at most of the places.
Because of high speed gales there are terrifying wind blowing sounds and shaking of buildings
took place in most parts of the city. While crossing the cyclone especially cyclone eye wall
region, the rain mixed with sea spray was almost parallel to land with flying objects. The
gap/lull period in between two cyclone eye wall regions/heavy gale periods, was of half-an-
hour to two hours varying at different places, was the middle of cyclone eye which was
experienced by the city residents. The gap/lull period was with of different ambience and light
intensity comparing to normal times. Even sun also came with different lighting. But
most/almost all of the Visakhapatnam people that they didn’t know at that time that they are in
the middle of the cyclone eye. During this gap period, many people came out of their houses to
watch the devastation caused by gale winds from morning and some have tried to go to beach
areas to observe the sea. But as with a short interval the second time high speed gale winds
because of crossing of cyclone eye wall region started, people went inside of their houses.
During this time most of the destruction was happened in the city comparing to first one.
During this time the wind direction was completely opposite direction comparing to morning
time. As per the observations, field investigations and community consultations made, it is
evident that the cyclone while crossing through the city it changed its direction slightly from
north to south. Because morning of the 12th October the major devastation was started and
storm surge incident took place at Bhimili (Bhimunipatnam) area of the Visakhapatnam city
which was located in north-east corner of the city and during second half of the day the
intensity of cyclone was high with storm surge at Pudimadaka area which was at south side of
the Visakhapatnam city. While crossing the coast at speed of 200 – > 220 Kmph coupled with
heavy rains, resulted huge losses in the city of Visakhapatnam.

3.2 Impact of cyclone Hudhud

The Cyclonic eye of the VSCS, Hudhud was passed rigorously with ~200 kmph gale
winds and copious rains through Visakhapatnam city and caused extensive devastation to
infrastructure, environment and properties of both public and private sectors. The intensity of
cyclonic winds prevailed for 6 hours after landfall. Heavy rainfall affected five districts of
Andhra Pradesh are west Godavari, east Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and
Srikakulam and eight districts of Odisha are Ganjam, Gajapati, Koratpur, Rayagada,
Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Kalakhandi, Phulbani. The storm surge took place in some low-
lying areas of Vishakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts at the time of landfall.
Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar in India and
Nepal have experienced rainfall as the system moved northwards and further inland. The
Cyclone has caused 1) Wind storm and storm surge at north Andhra Pradesh particularly in
Visakhapatnam and 2) Heavy rain, flooding and water logging at various places. The main
impacts in Visakhapatnam and its nearby areas are as follows:
 Loss of life: At various places some people were died due to building/wall collapse,
fallen trees, broken glasses, flying objects, disturbance to medical facilities etc.
 Loss of shelter: Many houses and mud huts have collapsed and demolished. Most of
the building and houses were got damaged by breaking of glass/doors, separation of
roof tops, wall collapse etc due to gale winds.

20
 Damage to Environment: The city had very good green cover as the avenue
plantation and parks belongs to GVMC and other Government organizations,
maintained in a prestigious manner. Because of cyclonic winds more than 90% of
trees in vegetation cover were lost by uprooting/loss of branches. The city lost most of
its various species of flora and fauna, which resulted loss in biodiversity of the region.
 Damages to power supply: Because of gale winds and falling of trees at almost all
places in the city electric poles (~ 20,000) were broken down. Transformers at many
places were collapsed/damaged. So after the cyclone, restoration of power has taken
tough task.
 Damage to water supply: Because of damages of water pipelines of individual
houses/buildings and no power, regular water supply to the residential areas was
stopped.
 Failure of communication network: Due to collapse of mobile service towers and
lack power supply at almost all places no mobile phones were worked.
 Damage to infrastructure: Both public and private infrastructure like roads,
railways, buildings etc damaged very badly. Infrastructure of the GVMC such as
municipal buildings, water supply installations, street lights, modern lighting in
important pockets of the city. Majority street light poles have been completely
damaged. School buildings, storm water drains and street drains in every nook and
corner of the city have been partially damaged.
 Damages to Industries: All most all industries (major/medium/minor) were damaged
badly due to cyclonic winds. Production facilities also in many
metallurgical/chemical/power industries were damaged due to wind and power
failure.
 Disturbance to transportation: The blockades in the entire road network of the city
due to the fallen trees, electric poles, telephone poles, hoardings and debris, free flow
of transport activities on roads were affected. BT Roads and CC Roads at some places
were damaged. The rescue teams and government officials could not move to the
affected places due to severe obstructions on the roads. Brought the normal life in the
city by clearing roads became a very tedious task. Air Port damaged severely.
Railway lines signal system was also badly damaged.
 Strom Surge: At Bhimunipatnam (Bhimili) and Pudimadaka some areas were
inundated due to storm surge. At these places houses collapsed and domestic items
washed away in to the sea.
 Inundation of low laying areas: Some low laying residential and agricultural areas
in and around Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram districts were inundated
due to heavy rain fall.
 Crop damages: Due to gale winds, heavy rains, floods at many places agricultural
crops, horticulture plantations etc were damaged. Mainly paddy, coco nut, banana,
coffee plantations were affected at both plains and tribal areas.
 Loss of fishing boats: At almost all fishing villages in the Visakhapatnam coast,
many fishermen boats were lost/damaged.

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  Disturbance to livelihoods: Because of damages/loss of facilities/power supply etc
almost all livelihood activities in the region were affected. The city is completely
paralyzed due to massive destruction in unimaginable scales.

3.3 Response activities by government authorities

 Monitoring of cyclone status: Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) with its
facilities and collaborations with other national/international collaborations accurately
predicted the genesis, intensity, track and point & time of landfall and also the adverse
weather like heavy rainfall, gale wind and storm surge 4-5 days in advance.
Dynamical statistical models were used to track the cyclone and predict its intensity.
NASA also provided good support from the time of its genesis, predicting track and
intensity. Available space, meteorological and oceanographic facilities were utilized
full extent for cyclone prediction. They are:
- INSAT-3D satellite imageries to monitor the cyclone.
- High Wind Speed Recorder (HWSR) located at the Cyclone Warning Centre
(CWC-IMD), Visakhapatnam.
- The Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) of IMD at Kailasgiri, Visakhapatnam.
- Automatic Weather Station (AWS) installed in a ship located near Visakhapatnam
port by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information System (INCOIS),
Hyderabad.
- The Dvorak technique is utilized to estimate the intensity of cyclone and hence the
associated MSW.
- The IMD observatory at the CWC, VSK continuously monitored the Mean Sea
Level Pressure (MSLP) during the landfall of cyclone, Hudhud.
- Satellite imageries of international geostationary satellites Meteosat-7 and
MTSAT and microwave & high resolution images of polar orbiting satellites
DMSP, NOAA series, TRMM, Metops were also considered.
 Bulletins issued by CWC, Visakhapatnam and IMD: VSCS Hudhud was
monitored by DWR Visakhapatnam continuously and observations were taken every
10 minutes and bulletins were issued hourly till 1020 hrs IST of 12 th October up to
collapse of communication system. However, the observations from DWR
Machillipatnam were used to monitor the cyclone till 12th evening. IMD continuously
monitored, predicted and issued bulletins containing track & intensity forecast at +06,
+12, +18, +24, +36, +48, +60, +72, +84, +96, +108 and +120 hrs or till the system
weakened into a low pressure area. The above structured track and intensity forecasts
were issued from the stage of deep depression onwards. The graphical display of the
observed and forecast track with cone of uncertainty and the wind forecast for
different quadrants were uploaded in the RSMC, New Delhi website
(http://rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in/) regularly. The storm surge models of INCOIS and
IIT, Delhi were used for prediction of storm surge. (IMD, India)
 Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Operations from Emergency Operation
Centre (EOC) established at Collectors office was continued its service during the
cyclone crossing. Some officials located at EOC performed their duties by receiving

22
 information from concern departments, sending instructions to field officials/staff and
monitored the status of the cyclone and field conditions. While many officials in the
field delivered duties like forced evacuation of people from vulnerable locations,
logistic arrangements, field monitoring etc.
 Information & communication: Because of collapse of communication network the
dissemination of information related to cyclone status and sending instructions to field
staff were a tough task at that time. When the situation gone beyond the control,
instructions given to field staff to stop the response activities and reach safe places up
to crossing of the cyclone. As this decision was taken at correct time, it saved lives of
many field staff that are moving in the city. At state level control room has established
and more than 1 crore SMS has been sent to public and community as preventive
action from State administration. From the last 3-4 days of the cyclone crossing
cyclone precautionary measures were published by state government in both English
and local Telugu language. Media through television channels, Ham radios, FMs have
played a great role in dissemination of information and alerting the community.
 Search & Rescue activities: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police, Fire
Services, City/District administration officials were deputed for search and rescue
activities in vulnerable pockets of the city. They have passed the status of cyclone
information to the people at risky locations time to time. Rescued many people from
gale winds and storm surge happened during the cyclone land fall. At Bhimili and
Pudimadaka areas after collapse of communication network decisions taken by local
city administration/police officials and rescue activities of NDRF saved many
people’s life, for which now the people at these locations have good respect on
NDRF/Police and government officials, which was not earlier.
 Evacuation and rehabilitation: Administration given alerts and evacuated many
people from vulnerable/risky coastal fishermen villages, low lying areas and slum
locations. As there is risk of damage due to gale winds, government officials
evacuated slum people to safe shelters. And because of inundation risk due to storm
surge/heavy rains evacuated people from low laying areas. Cyclone shelters in the
region are not in good condition to accommodate people. So nearby schools,
community halls, buildings of public/private properties were identified and used as
rehabilitation centers. Administration has established control rooms in all four
districts to assist the community and machinery in emergency. Due to heavy gales and
rain, the public were advised not go outside from the houses and relief camps. Food,
Water and sufficient Medicines were provided in the all the relief camps organized in
the District.
 Regulation of traffic: The regulation of traffic from the previous day of the Hudhud
on the national highway and passing of the information to the nook and corners of the
mandals has saved lot of loss of life including that of the animals. South Central
Railways has cancelled more than 41 trains and more than 35 trains were diverted to
other routes. Airplanes were cancelled.
 Government decisions: The measures taken by the Andhra Pradesh state government
under the leadership of Shri. N. Chandra Babu Naidu and his council of ministers

23
 through local administrations are most appreciable apprehending the major disaster
and preventing the colossal damage to the minimum possible extent. Established toll
free in State head quarter[1100, 04023456005] and Coastal districts to access info on
cyclone information and help to the needy
 Immediate relief: Immediately after the heavy gales stopped at about 9.00 PM on
12.10.2014, restoration work began such as cleaning of roads, removal of
debris/fallen trees/branches. The entire GVMC administration was pressed into
service to made alternative arrangements for providing safe drinking water besides
taking up temporary restoration on war-footing, deployed staff to various places,
positioned of teams in restoration of water supply, street lighting, clearing of the
roads, first aid etc., helped to take timely action and sanitation in the entire city
brought to the normalcy within a record time of one week.
 Precautionary measures: Taking consideration of electricity accidents, power supply
has been stopped as a precautionary measure during the cyclone. Drinking water
supplied to almost all locations for maximum time to store water in residential tanks for
drinking and household activities. Suggested to store food items, fuel etc for next 5-6
days.

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Chapter 4: After disaster – Relief to Recovery

4.1 Relief operations

4.2 Restoration activities

4.1 Relief operations

The Andhra Pradesh State Government was able to reduce loss of life by taking
necessary precautionary measures in time. Immediately after the cyclone Chief Minister
Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu reached Visakhapatnam and made an aerial survey of the
affected areas. He has directed all the officials to ensure quick relief operations and taken
direct responsibility of monitoring the relief and restoration activities. He has reviewed
the relief and restoration activities status time to time by conducting meetings with
concern officials. District officials, heads of departments, every government employee
were deputed to work on field for relief, restoration and rehabilitation works. Government
has taken much care in estimating damages of properties, houses, loss of life etc. On 14-
10-2014, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inspected the extent of damage
along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and announced INR 1000
crores for immediate relief. 41 IAS officers are positioned to oversee the relief work in
severely affected mandals.
Government of Andhra Pradesh issued Government Order (GO.Ms.No.9, dated
12-10-2014) to enhance the scale of assistance to the effected victims of Hudhud
Cyclone. It covered enhanced relief to crop damages, gratuitous relief to victims of the
Hudhud cyclone in the form of ex-gratia to diseased persons and those who suffered loss
of limbs. It also included ex-gratia for damaged houses and huts etc. and as well as relief
to Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
Food distribution to the people at shelter and those in need was done duly by
mobilizing the food, drinking water, perishables, etc from other districts viz., East
Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur both through air and roads duly creating a
situation to comfort the people affected. The food (Rice, Dal, Oil and other commodities),
drinking water sachets and fruits were distributed to the entire 13.09 lakhs card holders as
per the Government Order (GO.Ms.10.dated 17-10-2014) with revised scale of assistance.
To facilitate the distribution of material successful mixed the nodal team members came
from neighbor districts and Janmabhoomi program members, and divided Visakhapatnam
district as eight zones for cyclone relief & recovery operations.
The Andhra Pradesh government, for the first time in India, has utilized space
technology with the help of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and National
Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) in disaster management. The government with the help
of NRSC has also launched an Android app for a crowd sourcing project where people
could upload photos from their smart phones. Within a two days, as per NRSC, over
3,000 downloads of app was recorded. The chief minister has directed NRSC to use GIS,
GPS and remote sensing technologies to spot the damages and put them on the satellite

25
 through geo-tagging. This was enabled the government to have the data on damages on
the map. The government has engaged four satellites to monitor Cyclone Hudhud. They
are RISat1, RISat2, Radar Sat and Resource Sat2.
The Chief Minister urged officials to use Facebook, Twitter and Google to spread
the message. Andhra Pradesh government has created a Facebook page called AP
Disaster Management for which Facebook and Google have promoted and verified the
page within an hour of the page’s launch. The government has created ♯Hudhud AP to
reach out to people and get information from them on Twitter and Facebook. Whatsapp
was also used extensively.
The Chief Minister requested Prime Minister, to declare cyclone Hudhud as a
national calamity by central government. He has requested central government for Rs
2,000 crore as an adhoc package for relief activities.

4.2 Restoration activities

The Chief Minister directed officials to take up start restoration works on war-
footing from the next day of the Hudhud cyclone i.e., 13.10.2014. He has directed
Principal Secretary (Energy) to start restoration works for power poles, lines and
transformers immediately. He has directed Principal Secretary (Medical and Health)
to ensure that medicines should be stocked up at relief camps and health camps should
be set up at various places. In the meantime, has taken care to send food and water to
evacuated victims at relief camps.
In order to enumerate the losses to individual &damages to infrastructure in
an accurate, timely, transparent and comprehensive manner and to prevent any
possible mistakes, a portal has been developed by the IT Dept -
“www.hudhud.ap.gov.in” consisting of detailed formats for all the aforesaid
departments.

Basic amenities & services:

Water Distribution by Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)
– till the normal supply of drinking water to the residents was restored, GVMC had
taken multitasks through following routes to supply drinking water to the needy
habitations:
 Private tankers mobilized from other districts were put into use.
 Generators mobilized locally and from other districts were put into use to activate
the existing water supply schemes - both in rural areas and urban areas.
 Operational hand pumps were fully utilized.
 Fire Engines were also used to supply water to the apartments.

Debris clearance by GVMC – the mammoth task of the clearance of fallen trees and
debris accumulated was started by GVMC by mobilizing the machineries required
like JCBs, Tippers, Trucks, Hydras, etc from various districts and the fallen trees were
kept in identified stock yards for subsequent disposal:

26
 Debris clearance was also shared by other agencies like Navy, VPT, etc
 Uprooted Trees were cut using the instruments available with NDRF teams, Fire
Department Teams and State Disaster Response Force -SDRF, etc. Orissa
Government has deputed its team under the chairmanship of DGP Fire Services,
Govt. of Orissa and they have done a commendable job
 The State Police Department has coordinated with all these external agencies and
GVMC for effective clearance of the roads at the earliest.

Milk Distribution by Dairies:

 Regular milk supply through available dairies was monitored and they were told
to sell the milk for two to three days @ 30/- per litre (25% lesser than the rate) till
the demand is met out.
 Receipt of milk from other districts – (received free of cost) was distributed to
various needy places of the city and around 13 lakhs pockets (½ litre Distribution
– 12.97 Lakhs) were distributed besides distributing through Tanker as well.
 Report of sale of milk was daily monitored to prevent any adverse impact.

Supply of Petrol/Diesel regulated through the following agencies:

 HPCL – Though there were long queue in the first two days of the cyclone. The
availability was restored to normal by ensuring regular and continued supply from
all the outlets.
 The Honorable CM has called the CMD, HPCL to brief the situation for
restoration of the supply
 Other oil companies also followed the suit
 The LPG demand was also followed closely to avoid any huge backlog.

Roads
 National Highway – Project Director, National Highway Authority of India
(NHAI) was put into action immediately after the end of cyclone to open the
clogged roads and accordingly, the roads were opened to the public at the earliest.
 Roads & Buildings: Entire road network has been revived.
 PR Roads: Traffic has been restored on the sanctioned roads.
 Urban GVMC roads – all roads have been restored.

APSTRC – Bus services to all locations has been restored.

Health
Issued specific instructions to concern departments contain any public health
calamities.

Irrigation sources
 Status of reservoir level and release level were monitored on an hourly basis.
Number of breaches was reported and actions were taken for restoration.

27
 Tele services restoration.
All the telephone services have been restored.

Payment of Ex-Gratia to the death cases

 Visakhapatnam Division : 20
 Anakapalli Division : 13
 Narsipatnam Div : 3
 Paderu Division : 9
Total : 45
 Ex-gratia of Rs.5.00 lakhs each has been paid for all the 45cases under State
Govt. Norms.
 Ex-gratia of Rs.2.00 lakhs each has also been paid to all the 45 cases under
PMRF through online bank transfer.

Payment of Gratuitous relief for injury cases

 Severely injured cases : 49
 Injured cases : 47

Payment of compensation for house damages – Amount released by the Govt.

 The Govt. have released an amount of Rs.75.99 Crores vide Government
Order (G./O.Rt No.273 dt.21.11.2014).
 All the beneficiaries’ details viz. photos, bank account numbers, aadhar
numbers etc., were uploaded in the HUDHUD website.
 Sanction orders are being issued from Collector’s Office authorizing the
Tahsildars to draw the funds as per the scale of Relief.
 Sanction orders were issued for 1,41,627 damaged houses. Of which, the relief
amount was transferred to 1,09,102 beneficiaries.
 In JNNURM and RGK housing colonies damages occurred on the item of
works like water supply, syntax tanks and distribution lines, sewerage and
storm water lines etc. 15303 houses were affected and amount required is
506.75 lakhs

Payment of compensation for clothes & utensils (Rs.4000/- each)

 Total beneficiaries identified : 10,384
 Sanction orders issued : 10,384
 Budget released by Govt. : 415.36 lakhs
 Amount transferred to beneficiaries : 7,111 cases

Petty Assistance for push carts, street vendors, rickshaw and auto rickshaws etc
(Relief @ Rs.5000/- each)
 Total cases enumerated : 4,619 beneficiaries
 Sanction orders issued so far : 3487 beneficiaries

28
  Budget released by Govt. : Rs230.95 lakhs
 Amount transferred so far : 2550 beneficiaries

Agriculture Crop Damages

 The government vide Government Order (G.O.Rt No.303 Dt.10.12.2014),
have released input subsidy of Rs.46.46 Crores.
 So far the amount has been transferred to 1,15,077 framers for a total amount
of Rs.36.74 Crores.

Horticulture:
 The government vide Government Order (G.O. Rt No.304 Dt.10.12.2014)
have released input subsidy of Rs.161.56 Crores.
 So far, the input subsidy amount has been transferred to 1,16,922 farmers for a
total amount of Rs.90.24 Crores.

Animal Husbandry Department

 The government vide Government Order (G.O.Rt No.4 Dt.03.01.2015) have
released an amount of Rs.19.22 Crores for payment of relief to the 2,762
affected beneficiaries.
 So far, the relief amount has been transferred to 2101 beneficiaries for a total
amount of Rs.17.07 Crores

Fisheries Department
 Enumerated data is uploaded in Govt. Portal i.e. (www.hudhud.ap.govt.in)
 Government vide Government Order (GO MS No. 13 dated 22-10-2014)
declared assistance for sunken mechanized fishing vessels for affected crew
members and dry fish vendors in Fisherwomen Coop. Societies in fishing
harbour, Visakhapatnam.
 Government vide Government Order (GO MS No. 15 dated 3-11-2014)
declared assistance to crew members of completely lost or fully damaged
mechanized boats in fishing harbour and fibre boat Kalasis @ Rs 0.10 lakhs
/each.
 The government vide Government Order (G.O.Rt No.4 Dt. 03.01.2015), have
released an amount of Rs.14.07 Crores for payment of relief
 So far, the bills are presented for Rs.3.16 Crores covering 333 beneficiaries

Power:
This was an unprecedented cyclone in the history of A.P. and power infrastructure got
severely damaged. Transformers more than 6000 were damaged and more than 45,000
electric poles were collapsed. In details
 63 EHT towers of Transco (400KV 20 nos, 220KV 30 nos, 132 KV 7 nos,) and 24
EHT towers (400 KV) of PGCIL have collapsed.

29
  Power supply got affected in 2 nos. 400KV substations, 10 nos. 220 KV sub-
stations, 25 nos.132 KV sub-stations and 311 nos.33KV sub-stations.
 Financial assessment of losses AP TRANSCO 300 crores, APEPDCL 700 crores,
RESCO 100 Crores, PGCIL 100 crores, Total 1200 crores(Tentative)
 172 nos. 33KV feeders, 1177 nos. 11KV feeders, 2059 nos. 33KV Poles, 13370
nos. 11KV poles and 14828 nos. LT Poles got damaged. 9957 of DTR structures
and 5100 DTRs got damaged.

Actions taken
1 Restoration works initiated on war-footing since 13.10.2014 on EHT
side.
2 Massive deployment of additional staff from other circles of APEPDCL,
from SPDCL, other states, private contractors etc has been done.
3 13765 Engineers, O&M and contract labor deployed from these sources.
4 Nearly 289 cranes and heavy equipment deployed to speed up the work.

Massive mobilization of materials – poles 30000 and transformers

5000 and other materials have been procured from other districts, states and
even private companies.

Irrigation Department
 The Government vide Government Order (G.O Rt No 727 I&CAD Dept.,
Dated 10-11-2014), have issued orders permitting the Engineer-in-Chief
(Irrigation), Irrigation & C.A.D. Department, Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
to take up immediate permanent restoration works of flood damages of
Major, Medium, Minor Irrigation sectors occurred due to HUDHUD
cyclone.
 Powers also delegated to the District Collectors to give administrative
sanction upto Rs.10.00 lakh per each source.

Industry:
 Visakhapatnam is the industrial capital of the State and all the industries
got affected.
 In Visakhapatnam, about 2500 units got affected and estimated loss is
around 2000-3000 crores.
 In Srikakulam, about 55 units suffered with the loss of 85 crores and in
Vizianagaram, about 32 units got affected with the loss of 120 crores.

The losses are put up to the tune of around 3200 crores for all the
sectors like pharmaceutical industries, MSMEs, IT industries and other major
industries like power, drugs, steel, etc.

30
Unique Actions taken

1. Under AP State Skill Up gradation Mission, around 250 skilled laborers are mobilized
to cater to the needs of the households for carpentry, electrical works, plumbing
works, etc duly providing the stay facility by the government and in collaboration
with GMR and other similarly placed institutions.

2. Under Horticultural Mission, it is ordered to treat the coconut trees affected under the
cyclone for its revival and benefit to the farmers.

3. Under Pruning and other scientific methods of saving the standing trees, the Govt. has
appointed Sri Chandra Mohan Reddy; IFoS as Special Officer and under the VUDA’s
funding, necessary efforts are being taken to revive the standing trees.

4. The CM has personally reviewed the status of the insurance claims and the pace of
their disposal and accordingly, the pace of the settlement has improved and he has
appointed 7 member committee – Principal Secretary, Industries, APIIC Chairman,
representatives of Insurance Companies, Bankers and representatives of industries and
the committee is meeting frequently to review the pace and to rectify the defects, if
any.

5. The CM has personally monitored the restoration works of the telecom towers and the
CMD, Airtel has called the CM personally to sort out the issues duly assuring to
provide the inter-exchange options among different players till full restoration is
ensured.

6. A group on Telegram was created involving all the district officials to share real time
information and pictures.

7. Many records have been set in regard to the relief operations. The amount of essential
commodities moved has been unprecedented. Never before officials were deputed to a
district on such a large scale. The labors and machineries were brought from all over
the state. The state of Orissa has been very generous in supporting in the relief
process.

8. The enumeration of damages was carried out in record period. A separate website was
created for the same purpose. All the data was regularly uploaded online at the earliest
to bring transparency in the entire process.

9. First time the concept of Crowd Sourcing was used with the help of BHUVAN to
pool in geo-tagged images .This led to a participatory approach in relief operations.

31
10. The entire GVMC administration was pressed into service and with the help of other
municipal staff, sanitation in the entire city brought to the normalcy within a record
time of one week.

11. As per the instructions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Govt. A.P., 10 KG of rice to the
fishermen and other public below poverty line who were effected by Cyclone. GVMC
made alternate arrangements for providing safe drinking water and sanitation, besides
taking up immediate restoration on war footing by deploying various special teams.

32
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendations

5.1 Lessons Learned

- Before the Hudhud cyclone there is a opinion in people and government
officials that the city Visakhapatnam is safe w.r.t Cyclones. But the
Hudhud proved that the Visakhapatnam city is not exception from the
cyclone route and its destruction.
- The detection, early warning and information dissemination before the
cyclone was successful due to many factors including up-gradation of
various components of early warning system of cyclones by IMD and
Ministry of Earth Sciences and national-international collaborations in
recent years.
- Evacuation of people was not sufficient before the cyclone. There is a
situation that people not supported for evacuation initially by saying they
know well about the cyclone and sea. Only when the cyclone crossing
situation going to start worst many people evacuated voluntarily. During
the cyclone it was evident that the coordination between people and
authorities is also less.
- As knowledge and preparedness level in the community is less, most of the
people have not stored food items for a week. At most of the places people
came out to watch the cyclone destruction during the gap/lull period i.e.,
middle of the cyclone during its crossing Visakhapatnam city. So
knowledge and preparedness levels should be improved in the community.
- At first half only most of the trees were fallen down by uprooting.
Existing plantation in the city is not wind tolerant. The fallen trees are
became a big problem for clearing the roads after the disaster. Government
authorities tried to generate the income from the woods of fallen trees. But
as most of the trees economic value is less, the plan was not successful.
- Because of tree falling power lines/houses were damaged at many places.
It is learned that big trees should not be planted near to houses or very near
to roads.
- Beach plantation in the city is very less and in decreasing trend. There is a
need of plantations at beach areas as bio-shields to protect the residential
colonies from the natural hazards.
- Most sufferers during the cyclone are residents of beach areas. Fishermen
colonies which are very near to the sea and at risk to cyclone/tsunami are
needed to rehabilitate at safe places. There is a need of strict
implementation of building codes & CRZ rules.
- Cyclone shelters available in the city and cyclone affected areas are very
old and are not in good condition. They are lacking facilities like power
supply, water supply, toilets and in poor sanitation conditions. There is a
need of multipurpose cyclone shelters at various vulnerable locations.

33
 - Early warning system was successful during the Hudhud cyclone. Even
though it should be further strengthened to predict the cyclone path,
intensity and land fall time.
- Incident command system was failed during the cyclone due to failed
wireless communication network. So there is a need of robust
communication systems for the emergency management.
- When the communication systems failed, officials who involved in the
field operations have taken own decision as per the situation they have
observed. So the decision making was changed from central (Emergency
Operation Centre) to decentralization.
- As Visakhapatnam is not faced savior cyclone like Hudhud previously,
many constructions i.e., residential/office buildings, commercial
complexes, holdings, etc., in the city were not built based on considering
the wind damage. Basic amenities were collapsed due to cyclonic winds.
- Officers from government authorities who involved in the cyclone
operations are not well trained previously on disaster management and the
awareness related to natural hazards are also very less. There is a need to
enhance the capacities of officers and volunteers to work effectively
during the emergency operations when natural disasters strike.
- Maximum damage was happened to infrastructure and environment. For
Visakhapatnam disaster risk is a big challenge for development. So there is
a need of mainstreaming DRR & CCA measures in its development
planning.

5.2 Recommendations for Future

5.2.1 Actions required to meet immediate needs
5.2.1.1. For better preparedness & response
 Contingency plans should be updated at all levels and sectors
 Mock drills with officials and community members
 Escape routes should be identified and improved
 Effective & alternative communication systems
 Awareness in community and officials
 Evacuation plans: Identification of safe places, shelters, buildings,
routes, alternatives, mobility plans etc
 Preparation of Search & Rescue teams, First Aid teams, Medical
facilities
 Identification of relief agencies, donors, stakeholders
 Logistics management: Supplies, Transportation, Equipment,
Sanitation, Documentation, clearance etc.
 Health Management: Safe drinking water, Control of communicable
diseases, Sanitation, Food safety, Emergency health action plan

34
  Development of solar systems to meet the emergency needs like
pumping of water, lighting, communication, power generation,
cooking etc. to meet the challenges in the post-disaster scenario.
 Mobile fuel filling stations to catter to the needs of people working in
the rehabilitation works.
 Stocking of processed foods for supply to the affected areas.

5.2.1.2 Establishment of DM wing

A full pledged disaster management wing should be established at
district and city administrations.

5.2.1.3 IRS implementation

The Incident Response System (IRS) provides a systematic, proactive
approach guiding the concerned departments and agencies at all levels of
government, the private sectors and Non-Governmental Organizations to work
flawlessly in disaster situation.

5.2.2 Measures for DRR– Structural & non-structural

I. Risk Mitigation
(a) Structural Measures:
 Construction of embankments at low laying areas
 Construction of sea walls
 Cyclone-resistant housing and infrastructure
 Bio-shields/Shelter Belts/Beach Plantations
 Construction of multi-purpose cyclone shelters
 Improved early warning and communication systems

(b) Non-Structural Measures:

 Should have standard SOP for each line department
 Awareness generation at grass root level
 Education on disaster management
 Early warning dissemination
 Development/enhancement of technological regulations
 Risk Transfer mechanisms
 Formation of volunteer system with support of civil defense
 GMIS ward mapping for vulnerable/hazard locations
 Demarcation of hazard areas
 Marking safe places for public knowledge
 Strengthening linkages & coordination

5.2.3 Post-disaster Damage & Needs Assessment

Post-disaster Damage & Needs Assessment (PDNA) procedures
should be improved and give training to concern departments.

35
 Annexure I

LIKELY IMPACTS OF HUDHUD ON THE ENVIRONMENT OF

VISAKHAPATNAM

Prof.S.RAMAKRISHNA RAO, (Retd)

Professor Civil Engg. Dept, ANDHRA UNIVERSITY

Hudhud cyclone has created havoc in north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh on 12th
October, 2014 and caused extensive damage specially to Visakhapatnam district in general
and in particular to Visakhapatnam city. The damage is mainly to the tree cover and
consequential destruction of the power lines leading to the colossal loss to the power sector.
Till today Visakhapatnam has not witnessed the direct entry of the eye of the storm reaching
the land and hence damage was beyond the expectation. So far it is heartening to note that the
Andhra Pradesh government’s fore sight helped the people in controlling the damage to life
and assets.

The regulation of traffic on the previous day of the hudhud on the national highway
and passing of the information to the nook and corners of the mandals has saved lot of loss of
life including that of the animals. The disconnection of power on the night previous to the
storm till the passing off, has also saved the life of stray animals and birds. All said and done
the measures taken by the Andhra Pradesh state government under the leadership of sri. N.
Chandra Babu Naidu and his council of ministers is most appreciable apprehending the major
disaster and preventing the colossal damage to the minimum possible extent. The
rehabilitation of the people and resumption of services of different sectors after the disaster is
the untiring efforts of the administration and local elected representatives taking the reviews
from the honorable chief minister who was guiding force, is much laudable.

In these circumstances of great loss of tree cover and change in the local conditions
the following impacts may occur on the local life and environment. Certain suggestions are
also given here under for the benefit of the locals and to the administration to rebuild the
environment.

1. The loss of green cover:

A) The trees which are functional in absorbing co2 and release o2 naturally gets
reduced and the co2 concentrations may increase due to the depreciation of the
absorbing capacity.

B) The absence of trees will result in the increase in the respirable suspended
particulate matter (rspm – 2.5 microns) and the total suspended particulate
matter (including 10 and 2.5 microns) due to the lack of adsorption by the
leaves of the trees.

36
 C) The concentration of the certain pollutants like so2 and nox which are released
due to industries and traffic will be increasing from the existing levels due to
the lack of green belt and avenue plantation.

D) The high transpiration by the leaves will get reduced and the moisture levels
decrease in the biosphere.

E) The increase in radiation will be caused due to the loss of plant canopy and the
direct hitting of sun rays to the earth which will be reradiated into the
surrounding environment.

F) The heat island effect phenomena will be seen in the areas where high-rise
buildings are located and concrete pavements and tar roads exists due to the
continuous radiation and adsorption and re-radiation by the concrete
structures.

G) It also may contribute to the erosion of soils heavily and reach the surface
water runoffs during heavy rains and cause sedimentation of drains or silting
of natural nallas.

H) There is a likely possibility of occurring of landslips or landslides in the hilly

slope areas due to the lack of soil binding resulting in the mass destruction of
trees.

I) During the rainy season for at least next 2 years there is a likelihood of low
recharge of the ground water aquifer and reduction in the recharge in the
aquifer due to the heavy surface runoff and non detention of rain water.

2. Problems due to the waste accumulated:

A) The loss of tree cover accumulated and detained at certain pockets and
grounds which may catch fire and cause damage to the environment by
releasing different organic gases.

B) The wood collected may be disposed off in stages to the following industries.

i) the soft wood required for the paper mills can be sorted out and the parties
may be contacted immediately to lift the wood for utilization.

ii) hard wood may be disposed off to biomass based energy power plant who
will shred them and burn to produce the power.

iii) at any cost the biomass and the waste accumulated should not be
incinerated in public as it may lead to production of dioxides or volatile
organic carbons which may result in asthma and upper respiratory problems in
children and aged.

37
3. Municipal solid wastes and hospital wastes:

Visakhapatnam will be facing a severe problem in handling the municipal

solid waste and hospital waste accumulated and mixed up with the biomass
wastes. Hence separate teams should work to clear by segregating the
municipal solid wastes as they putrefy and spoil the natural bio-waste. It is
observed that the wastes are mixed and dumped which may result in leaching
of organic acids and percolate into the sandy soil strata and cause pollution to
the ground water in the future. So immediate action of removing the dump
grounds used to disposed off wastes by utilizing it appropriately.

4. Water supply systems:

A) Care should be taken in supplying the municipal water to the needy as there is
a likehood of contamination of municipal water through broken pipes.
Monitoring of water quality should be stepped up and the areas may be
identified where the contamination is detected.

B) People also should be educated and informed about the possibility of

contaminated water and proper chlorination should be done at community
level or at the individual level by supplying the appropriate chlorination
mechanisms.

C) In areas where high ground water table occurs, pumping should be avoided in
order to control the contamination of aquifer due to percolation of the
contaminated surface water.

5. Spread of infectious diseases:

A) Due to the lack of protective green cover and as predicted increase of

suspended particulate matter in the air there is a likelihood of increase in the
viral infections to the eyes, throat and allergy to the skin. This happens
because of air borne virus particles which reach the humans extensively due to
the lack of adsorption by trees or lack of impediments.

B) It can be expected that the future rains will bringing the sediments and mix up
with the drinking water or the percolation into the aquifer may lead to several
water borne diseases like cholera and dysentery

6. Prevention and protection measures to combat the above impacts of Hudhud:

 The protection of plants which are injured by using their stems and twigs
should be restored which are not uprooted from the ground. A special
nourishment and provision of water should be provided in order to relive
in the half dead plants. Measures also may be taken to straighten up
certain plants which leaned to the ground and rehabilitate them by
supporting to stand erect appropriately.

38
 it is now necessary to Visakhapatnam to have certain fountains to the
middle of high raised buildings or in the centrally located places to reduce
the impacts of heat island as it is done in many western countries.

 To avoid planting of trees close to the buildings and to the electric poles
and this proved to be damage causing to the existing system. The right
thinking would be to have them in large parks where the people can relax
in the evenings or which may act as artificial lungs to restore the balance
of oxygen to the carbon dioxide.

 It should be made mandatory to the entire building owner either old or new
to go for white paints which reflect the radiation instead of absorbing into
the concrete to avoid the heat island effect.

 The construction of houses on hill slopes should be avoided unless until

appropriate measures of retaining wall are built by the house owners. The
illegal construction on the hill slopes should totally be avoided and people
who occupied may be rehabilitated from the vulnerable areas identified
after thorough testing of the soil strata.

 The local authority should implement strictly the construction of rain water
recharging pits and monitor them through the third party for harnessing the
advantages of increasing the ground water levels. It is also necessary to
identify the surface drains which bring in the rain water mixed with the
drain water into a community recharge pits with appropriate treatment of
the drainage.

 The solid waste should be given top priority as it may also be instrumental
in spreading the diseases and promoting the rodents, pigs which are the
reservoirs of many different parasitic diseases. The solid waste also
promotes the fly nuisance which is also cause for spreading the diseases in
the community where small food joints are the sources of spreading the
diseases. It is advised that the people should avoid eating in the public
eateries till the conditions improved in the local environment. The local
authorities should insist the refraining of sweet meats in public by
discouraging the sale of food in the small eateries.

 The local authorities and the administration should propagate the avoiding
of any fireworks which are air borne like rockets, lanterns or any fireworks
which may lit fire to the heaps of piled dry solid waste dumped in large
quantities in the grounds. It may also lit fire in localities where still the
debris and tree waste are not removed so far.

 It is observed that at several places the mixed solid waste with the tree
twigs are burnt leading to spread of smoke in the localities. It should be

39
 advised to the locals or the sweepers not to indulge in letting the fire to the
solid waste.

 As Visakhapatnam is identified as a smart city the communication

facilities should be improved and in the absence of electronic media and
print media a public address system or community net work system should
be developed with the help of electronics engineers or with the help of
ham radio system.

 The hospitals and the doctors should gear up to the hidden danger of
spread of diseases both viral and bacterial and treat the patients
immediately by identifying them. The medical outlets are also to be
advised to keep ready the medicines in order to face the demanding
situation for the next 2 to 3 months.

 The locals should adopt themselves to live with the changing

environmental scenario by adopting the following:

I)during the high temperatures in the area the people should put on cotton
dresses specially white in colour and cover their heads with caps and
protecting their eyes with glasses which have the UV filtering capacity.
They should also avoid moving during the mid day as the temperatures and
radiation will be high.

Ii) the locals should make it a habit to put on nose masks to avoid the dust
entering into their nose.

Iii) they should drink lot of water to detoxify or to avoid dehydration.

Conclusions:

The great loss of tree cover and change in the local conditions due to Hudhud in the city of
Visakhapatnam impacts local life and environment. Suggestions were given in the above
paper to benefit of the locals and to the administration to rebuild the environment. These
suggestions include improvements to the current land, water and solid waste management
practices. These measures can improve the changed environment in Visakhapatnam post
cyclone Hudhud.

40
 Annexure II

Questionnaire

Name of the official :

Designation :

Contact number :

Email Id :

Department name :

Hudhud operations starting date :

Hudhud operations last date :

List of main officers and volunteers worked in Hudhud operations (before/during/after):

Name Designation Functions/duties delivered Mobile

S.No
number
1

6
7

10
(Improve rows as per requirement)

41
Please answer the following questions:

I. Before Hudhud Cyclone:

1. What are the disaster risk reduction measures taken in your area?
2. When did you know about the Hudhud cyclone?
3. How did you come to know about the Hudhud cyclone?
4. What are the preparedness measures taken by you after received the cyclone warning?
5. What are the duties assigned to you by higher authorities to manage the disaster?
6. How the organization formed and shared the responsibilities to face the disaster?
7. What plans you have followed to deal with this disaster?
8. What are the actions you have taken, including actions with your own decisions?
9. How the early warning information was disseminated to the public?
10. How the awareness was created in the officials and in community?
11. How your department coordinated with other line department like police, fire, district
administration, etc?
12. Describe the type of early warning systems, communications, awareness and response
capacities followed before the disaster?
13. How many cyclone shelters available in your area/zone?
14. What type of buildings you have identified for rehabilitation?
15. Is there any escape routes identified to mobilize the community before/during the
disaster?
16. What is number of people you have evacuated to safe places/rehabilitation centers?
17. Who were deputed for ‘search & rescue operations’ & ‘first aid’?
18. What are the main factors contributing for local risks and vulnerability of the
community?

II. During Cyclone:

1. When the communication was lost? After that what actions you have taken?
2. During operations how you have coordinated with other officials?
3. What are the bad experiences during the cyclone?
4. Explain the step by step stages during the crossing of cyclone Hudhud, through your
area?
5. What are the actions you have planned and taken for emergency management?
6. Who successful was ‘search & rescue operations’ & ‘first aid’?
7. What are the conditions at rehabilitation centers? (food supply, water supply,
sanitation, etc)

III. After Cyclone:

1. What are the relief operations planned and how they implemented?
2. What type of supports you have provided to the community immediately after the
cyclone?

42
 3. What is the recovery works done in your area?
4. How long it has taken to complete the relief and recovery operations viz., saving life,
providing first aid, restoration of power, water supply, providing other basic amenities
etc?
5. What is the role of participatory groups like NGOs, CBOs, Welfare associations etc.,
in relief/recovery operations?
6. What was the impact of cyclone Hudhud on the city of Visakhapatnam and in your
zone?
7. What support you got from the community and higher authorities in terms of recovery
operations?
8. What are the challenges or problems encountered during the relief, early recovery
operations?
9. How many members participated in cyclone operations? (before/during/after)

IV. General Questions:

1. What are the experiences/lesions learned from this cyclone Hudhud? Please give both
positive and negative experiences.
2. What are the strongest points and what were the areas that would be improved?
3. What are the additional needs you required to enhance the support to the community,
to minimize the loss of life and minimize the damages/losses to infrastructure etc.
4. What are the suggestion you will give to the administration to face the future
challenges of cyclones?
5. Explain the financial aspect of Hudhud operations/later recovery.
6. Can you describe the challenges and opportunities in urban disaster risk reduction?
7. What are the next steps for making the Visakhapatnam city more resilient?
8. What advice would you give to the other coastal cities?

43
 Annexure III

Fig: Map showing the track of Cyclone Hudhud

44
 Annexure IV

Fig: Satellite image showing the Cyclone Hudhud

45
 Annexure V

Cyclone Hudhud Damages & Government Actions:

Fig: Rough Sea before the Cyclone Fig: Waves before the Cyclone

Fig: Rough Sea before the Cyclone Fig: During the cyclone in a area

Fig: Airport after Cyclone Hudhud Fig: Beach road damages

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Fig: Rough sea waves before the cyclone Fig: Up-rooted tree

Fig: Up-rooted tree Fig: Sand on the roads

Fig: Bhimili Fishermen area after cyclone Fig: Beach road at Bhimili

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Fig: Areal view of damaged boats Fig: Areal view of Fishing Harbor

Fig: Damages at fishing harbor Fig: Damaged boats at Bhimili

Fig: Hindustan Ship Yard Fig: Damaged house

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Fig: Damaged R.K. Beach after Cyclone Fig: Damaged beach road at Bhimili

Fig: Bhimili fishermen area Fig: Waltair fishermen village

Fig: Eroded beach at sub-urban Fig: Eroded beach road

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 Fig: Gostani river mouth at Bhimili Fig: Birds after Cyclone

Fig: Cyclone damages Fig: Collapsed houses at Bhimili

Fig: Damaged vegetation at University Fig: Visit of PM and CM

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Fig: Field Visits by Chief Minister Fig: CM along with Prime Minister

Fig: CM during decision making Fig: CM addressing the gathering

Fig: Review meeting conducted by Chief Minister

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Fig: Financial support to victims Fig: Re-plantation activities

Fig: Field visits by CM Fig: Fund rising from public

Fig: Feedback from public Fig: CM & PM during press meet

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Fig: Evacuated people at relief camp Fig: Evacuated people at relief camp

Fig: Relief materials Fig: Relief materials

Fig: Water distribution by tankers Fig: Vegetable distribution

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Fig: City Administration building – Before & After Cyclone Hudhud

Fig: Andhra University – Before & After Cyclone Hudhud

Fig: Siripuram area – Before & After Cyclone Hudhud

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Fig: Station main road – Before & After Cyclone Hudhud

Fig: Steel Plant – Before & After Cyclone Hudhud

Fig: Ukkunagaram area – Before & after Cyclone Hudhud

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 Fig: Loss of green cover

Fig: Cyclone damages Fig: Road damages

Fig: Road damages Fig: Road damages

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Fig: Clearing of roads by NDRF & Fire Fig: Clearing of roads by NDRF & Fire

Fig: Clearing of roads by NDRF & Fire Fig: Road damages

Fig: Web portal on cyclone Hudhud

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 Fig: FGD at Peda Waltair area Fig: Community Consultations

Fig: FGD at Pudimadaka area Fig: FGD at Paderu area

Fig: Participants response during FGD Fig: team members with fishermen

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 Fig: Presentation during case study meeting at GVMC

Fig: Case study meeting at GVMC Fig: Case study meeting at GVMC

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 Annexure VI

Fig: Preventive measures published in news papers

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