AndhraNews.Net - Hundreds of fishermen missing

Hyderabad
The worst disasters in the past decade in Andhra Pradesh, nearly one hundred persons were killed and hundreds are missing after a massive tidal wave triggered by an earthquake slammed the coast in the morning of Sunday. People living along the one thousand km long distance coastline were caught unawares when two to five meter high waves appeared suddenly and swept away those who count to run to a safety place. People were shocked and unbelievable waves as many as five times in some places like Machilipatnam and Kakinada. A state prone to frequent cyclonic storms, Andhra Pradesh last faced a disaster of such magnitude in November 96 when storm with 220km speed winds ravaged East Godavari. According to available information so far 89 persons were killed due to this unexpected tidal waves. The Chief Minister, YS Rajasekhara Reddy canceling all his programmes had whirl wind tour through out the area for the one the spot study.

He consoled the families of the bereaved families and announced an immediate exgratia of Rs.1 lakh each for adult and Rs 50,000/- for children who were dead during this ghastly natural calamity. He appraised the position to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and the AICC president Sonia Gandhi. The Union Home Minister Shirvraj Patil arrived here late in the evening.

The Eastern Naval Command from Chennai and Visakhapatnam have swung into action for rescue and relief operation. Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam and Tirupati experienced tremors but there was no significant damage to structures though people rank helter skelter when their houses shook at around 6.30am.

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Earthquakes of major to minor intensities are reported in the Pacific Ocean and in the Indian Coastal cities. Much of the damage so far reported is in the Northern Sumatra Islands, Macquaire Islands, Indonesia, Iran and as far as Japan. Quake levels were reported to be as high as 8.5 in many of these areas.

Tremors hit Chennai at around 6:35 AM as per the Chennai Metrological Office reported tremors. People are in panic and the extent of damage is not yet completely known. At least 15 people are missing in the Chennai's Pattinapakkam and Thirvattriyur areas where the sea water and waves entered the land. Police and Fire personnel are on their job on the alert.

Meanwhile many parts of Costal Andhra Pradesh also experienced quake of minor intensities. The intensity is reported to be 'very low'. Unofficial reports said that water case to the land levels in the Beach area of Visakhapatnam. Panic is reported in the fisherman town on Machilipatnam. Meanwhile, 5 bodies reported to be found due to the quake damage in Prakasam.

Update @ 12:26 Noon IST

Chief Secretary of the State Mr. Mohan Kanda told to Reuters that the tsunami that hit coastal Andhra Pradesh had 400 fishermen missing. Government Officials say that atleast 74 people were injured and are admitted in Government hospitals at different areas.

Update @ 2:02 PM IST

The official figures states that 'At least 38 people were killed and thousands were missing' due to the tidal wave in Andhra Pradesh. "Fifteen deaths were reported in Prakasham district, 20 in Krishna and three in West Godavari district while several parts of the hinterland in the nine coastal districts were marooned," the report quoted.

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Hyderabad
The German Government has sanctioned Rs.1600 crore loan to the State/AP Genco for setting up of fourth 660 MW unit of the Vijayawada Thermal Power Station. The loan agreement was signed between Kreditanstalt Fur Wiederaufbau of Germany and the Government of India, Department of Economic Affairs, Finance ministry. The project and arbitration agreements were also initialed between KFW, the Andhra Pradesh Government and APGENCO as also on proper implementation of the project. A press release issued by the GENCO said BS Kumar, Additional Secretary Energy, Ajay Jain, MD of APGENCO and other top officials were present on the occasion.

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Hyderabad
An international seminar on 'Telugu culture and performing arts: philosophical dimensions' will be organized by Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University International Telugu Centre from 29th December. The three day conference being organized to mark the second decennial celebration of the university will be a forum for contemplation of the philosophical implications in the culture, tradition and performing arts of the Telugus according to the VC, GV Subramanyam at a media conference.

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