The cyclonic storm Helen crossed the coast near Machilipatnam in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh this afternoon. Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari and Guntur districts and part of Krishna district were the worst affected due to the cyclone. State Relief Commissioner C. Partha Sarathi told media persons in Hyderabad that 100 kmph winds have been witnessed. Several electric poles and trees were uprooted in Amalapuram, Rajamundry and Uppada areas of the East Godavari district.

Relief operations were intensified with the help of police and fire department. Presently, the cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, centred close to south-west of Machilipatnam, the system is moving towards west-southwest direction.

Rains continue to lash coastal districts with heavy falls in the past 24 hours as more rains still predicted in the next 24 hours in coastal Andhra and Telangana regions as the system makes a westward move across. Gale winds speed reaching 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph would prevail along and off coastal districts and reduce thereafter in the ensuing period.

The sea condition will continue to be very rough to high along and off the Andhra coast. Several villages in coastal districts of Krishna, East and West Godavari have plunged into darkness as trees and electric poles were uprooted by gale winds. About 16,300 people were evacuated till noon of today from Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, East and West Godavari districts and shifted to 65 relief camps. The district administrations have made elaborate arrangements to provide food, water and medicines.

Ten NDRF teams were rushed to Krishna, Guntur, East and West Godavari districts and special officers were positioned in the affected districts for rescue and relief operations. Around 20 people in three boats missing from Katrenikona in East Godavari district who were stranded in the turbulent sea waters have been identified and are being rescued using helicopter.