Cyclone Hudhud

October 7, 2014
October 14, 2014
185 km/h (115 mph) 215 km/h (130 mph)
109 total
At least $11 billion (2014 USD)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh
Odisha
Chhattisgarh
Areas affected
Madhya Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
Nepal
Formed
Dissipated
Highest winds
Fatalities
Damage

Hudhud originated from a low pressure system that formed under the influence of an upper-air
cyclonic circulation in the Andaman Sea on October 6. Hudhud intensified into a cyclonic storm
on October 8 and as a Severe Cyclonic Storm on October 9. Hudhud underwent rapid deepening
in the following days and was classified as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm by the IMD. Shortly
before landfall near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on October 12, Hudhud reached its peak
strength with three minute wind speeds of 175 km/h (109 mph) and a minimum central pressure

of 960 mbar (28.35 inHg). The system then drifted northwards towards Uttar Pradesh and Nepal,
causing widespread rains in both areas and heavy snowfall in the latter.[1][2]
Hudhud caused extensive damage to the city of Visakhapatnam and the neighbouring districts of
Vizianagaram and Srikakulam of Andhra Pradesh. Damages are estimated to be at least 70000
crore (US$11 billion),[3] with assessments still underway.[4] At least 109 deaths have been
confirmed, a majority of them from Andhra Pradesh and Nepal, with the latter experiencing an
avalanche due to the cyclone.

Etymology
The name Hudhud, suggested by Oman, refers to the bird Hoopoe. The bird is known as the
"hudhud" in the Quran, and appears in the story of Sulayman (Solomon)

Preparations and impact

Andaman and Nicobar Islands
On October 8, while Hudhud was gaining cyclonic storm intensity, the authorities closed schools
and cancelled ferry services in and around the Andaman Islands. Fishermen were warned about
the storm. The Andaman Trunk Road, one of the major roads traversing the island, was shut
down after trees were uprooted due to the storm's force. Landslides were reported on the island,
causing some power and communication lines to fail.[19]
Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (rightmost) inspects the extent of damage along with
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
An alert was sounded in nine out of thirteen districts of Andhra Pradesh where standing crops
including paddy, groundnut, sugarcane, and pulses were yet to be harvested. Over 700,000
people, including 500,000 people in Andhra Pradesh, were evacuated and put up in relief camps.
The local government made arrangements to shift half a million people in all.[20][21]
A blown away bridge near Visakhapatnam
Hudhud crossed the coast of Andhra Pradesh at the noon of October 12 over Visakhapatnam,
with winds exceeding 185 km/h (115 mph). As per initial reports, 3 people were killed due to
heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in coastal areas.[22] Within hours of hitting the coast,
the cyclone severed the radar link of Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre.[23]
Hudhud caused at least 46 deaths within Andhra Pradesh.[24] Total damage costs are estimated to
be at least 70000 crore (US$11 billion).[25] This makes Hudhud the most destructive cyclone to
ever hit India and the second most destructive in the basin after Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

Roadway destruction in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, bore the brunt of Hudhud, which hit its coast with a speed
of 185 km/h (115 mph). Hundreds of vehicles parked on roads were damaged while heavy rains
inundated a few colonies.[26] The runway at Visakhapatnam Airport was flooded and the radar
and navigational aids were destroyed. The roof of the terminal was torn apart due to the speed of
the cyclone.[27]
Odisha
The Odisha government had placed 16 districts under high alert: Balasore, Kendrapara, Bhadrak,
Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khurdha, Nayagarh, Gajapati,
Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Malkangiri and Koraput.