Laila creates havoc in coastal areas, leaves 3 dead,2 missing

Hyderabad, May 20 : The severe cyclonic storm 'Laila' claimed three lives in Nellore District, while two persons were reported missing in Krishna district even as the depression had created havoc with gale winds and uninterrupted rains uprooting heavy trees and affecting power supply at various places.

A report from Kakinada said one old man Tolum Peddapuram (65) was killed when an old-tiled shed collapsed owing to cyclonic rain in Thondangi village under Tuni police circle limits in East Godavari district.Chief Minister K Rosaiah, who held a review meeting with top officials on the latest situation, told mediapersons that Army officials had been alerted and nine helicopters were kept ready to take up rescue and relief operations.Claiming heavy damages to public properties and standing crops, he said the loss would be known only after the official estimation is done as the officials were busy in rescue and relief operations. The Chief Minister said he was in constant touch with the Collectors of Coastal districts and had authorised them to draw funds required for the rescue and relief works in their areas.Mr Rosaiah had also contacted the leaders of various political parties in the state and sought their cooperation, he said and added political parties had already asked their cadres to participate in the rescue and relief operations.The Chief Minister said power supply was affected in 1,492 villages and 11 towns. Transco officials were making efforts to restore power supply. One 220 KV sub-station, three 132 KV sub-stations and 193 33 KV sub-stations were affected in the coastal areas.Stating that he was in constant touch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister P Chidambaram, he said they had assured all cooperation and support to tackle the situation arising out of the calamity.
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