By The Hindu Bureau

Copyright thehindu

Heavy rain and gales triggered by the depression over the Bay of Bengal lashed the city on Thursday, disrupting normal life in the city. Around 150 trees at 80 different locations were uprooted, while the power supply was disrupted in several areas.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) launched an operation on a war-footing to clear the streets and restore normal traffic flow.

Strong winds caused trees to fall in several areas, including Asilametta, Murali Nagar, MVP Colony, Birla Junction, and Akkayyapalem, damaging many cars and two-wheelers parked in the streets.

The traffic flow was disrupted on parts of the NH-16 due to fallen trees. Electricity poles also uprooted at two locations. As a result, many areas experienced power outages. However, the APEPDCL officials responded quickly and restored the supply.

GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg said that the civic body immediately deployed its machinery as part of clearing operations to prevent inconvenience to the public and vehicular movement.

He inspected several affected areas, assessed the situation, and issued the necessary instructions to the Zonal Commissioners.

With the joint efforts of the horticulture, mechanical, and public health departments under the supervision of the Zonal Commissioners, clearance works had already been completed in 62 locations by Thursday night, he said, adding that the works were going on briskly in the remaining 18 locations.

“Swift action was taken to restore fallen electric poles, and clearance of uprooted trees, branches, and other debris without delay,” he said.

He appealed that any rain-related issues be immediately reported to the Zonal Offices concerned or through GVMC’s toll-free number 1800 4250 0009.