World Bank approved a US $250 million credit for Andhra Pradesh to increase the state’s capacity to respond promptly and effectively to emergency situations such as assault of cyclones like Hudhud. The assistance, extended to Andhra Pradesh Disaster Recovery Project will  be used to restore, improve and enhance the resilience of public services and livelihoods of communities affected by the Hudhud last October. This project will benefit about 13 million people in the four severely cyclone-prone districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and East Godavari.

World Bank said Andhra Pradesh is one of the most natural hazard prone states in India because of its long coastline and geographical location. About 44 per cent the state is vulnerable to tropical storms and related hazards.

(JNR)