Hyderabad: Cyclone Laila weakened ahead of landfall about 30 km from Bapatla in Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday but still left 16 people dead, flooded thousands of homes, snapped power supply in many areas and threw rail and road traffic out of gear in the coastal region of the state.
(See Pics)Though Laila's intensity reduced considerably, the winds blowing at a speed of 90-95 kmph continue to leave behind a trail of destruction, though not of the level that was feared before it made the landfall.
(Read: How did cyclone Laila get its name)It rained all night in most parts of Bapatla in Guntur and even now it is raining, accompanied by strong winds.
(Read: Impact of Cyclone Laila)While the depression is moving towards Orissa now, the Meteorological department has said that vigil should continue in coastal Andhra Pradesh today as well.
Under the influence of this system, widespread rainfall activity is likely over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Orissa during next 24 hours.
(After striking Andhra, Cyclone Laila heads towards Orissa)
The sea condition will be very rough along and off Andhra Pradesh and Orissa coast during next 12 hours. Fishermen have been are advised not to venture into the sea during next 48 hours.
Both Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are facing the onslaught of the tropical cyclone. At least 40,000 people have already been evacuated from low-lying areas of Andhra Pradesh. Armed forces have been asked to help the civil administration in rescue efforts.
(Read: Thousands evacuated from low-lying areas)Air, train and bus services were thrown out of gear in the state. The waves and the winds caused extensive damage in coastal districts like Nellore, where trees were uprooted, cars smashed and roads damaged. Communication and power supplies were also disrupted.
As heavy rainfall is expected in the coastal districts, the administration is keeping a watch on vulnerable structures like bridges and culverts.
The government has also put in place protocols and standard procedures for cyclone preparedness to minimise loss of life and property.