In pics: Andhra braces for cyclone Hudhud

In the forenoon of October 12, the cyclone Hudhud would make a landfall at or around Visakhapatnam with winds of up to 180 kmph and a storm surge of two metres. It was the lull before the storm on Friday but Saturday was a picture of the danger looming large.

Not many in the scenic port city of Vizag or the fishing villages along the coast in the district remember the last time when a very severe cyclone was headed directly towards them.

In the forenoon of October 12, the cyclone Hudhud would make a landfall at or around Visakhapatnam with winds of up to 180 kmph and a storm surge of two metres.

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It was on the same day last year that Cyclone Phailin made a landfall at Gopalpur – 285 kms North East of Visakhapatnam.

Visakhapatnam city and district and the four adjacent districts – Srikakulam, Vizianagam towards north and East and West Godavari districts to the south are on high alert and are bracing for Hudhud, which stopped shy of becoming a super cyclone.

The penultimate danger signal no. 10 is raised at the posts of Kalingapatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram.

It was the lull before the storm on Friday but Saturday was a picture of the danger looming large.

The Bay of Bengal is in spate from morning. A fisherman of Chapalauppada points to the threat. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Fishermen of Chapalavuppada move their vessels further inland to avoid damage due to the storm surge which can even take the boat into the sea. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

If vessels are very heavy nets which also cost in lakhs are shifted to safety. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Villagers having the breakfast at a cyclone relief shelter near Chapalavuppada. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Government health workers ready with medicines. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

A cyclone shelter in the district built in 1983. Villagers reluctant to move out were being compelled in some places by the local administration. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

If vessels are very heavy nets which also cost in lakhs are shifted to safety. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Kids having some fun in the cyclonic winds at Bhimili, 30 kms from Vizag. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Locals and tourists enjoying the downcast weather. Vizag saw some drizzles as the cyclone was still away. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Huge waves pummeling the jetties near the port in Vizag. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

The sea has come forward 100-500 metres at various places in the district. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)

Vizag’s most famous Rama Krishna Beach closed for vehicles. (Prasad Nichenametla/HT Photo)