Severe cyclonic storm hits south India

The severe cyclonic storm, Helen, on Friday hit the coastal areas of Indias southern state of Andhra Pradesh, government sources said. The Helen made the landfall near Machilipatnam coast of Andhra Pradesh at around 12:30 pm, the sources said. Pummeling the area for three hours, the sources said the cyclone was moving westward towards Kolluru and Tenali areas of the state. They said no causality was reported, but the storm has left a trail of destruction. "The storm disrupted power supplies, uprooted electric poles and trees in various areas," the sources added. "The cyclone has caused heavy to very heavy rain in the area and forceful gale winds reaching 100-110 kmph." The met department has predicted heavy to very heavy rain for 36 hours with sea condtions remaining rough. Authorties have already asked fisherman to suspend their activities till the storm subsides. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Kiran Kumar Reddy along with the administration have reviewed the situation and measures have been taken to help the affected people. The authorities have also established 130 relief camps and around 3000 people have so far been shifted to safer places