Coal news and updates

Vizag Port suspends ops, Paradip normal on Oct 12

October 13: Vizag Port was forced to suspend operations on October 12 as tropical cyclone Hudhud made it landfall around noon near the port city, according to information by shipping companies and officials from the port.

According to a source, “Cyclone Hudhud, with a wind speed of 127 mph, uprooted hundreds of trees and brought down power lines. Widespread power outages were reported and telecommunications were down throughout the region. Electricity lines were also disconnected to avoid electrocution. Under such circumstances, port operations were disrupted as employees were also not in a position to report to work.”

At present, communication with port offices at Vizag and Kakinada have also been affected, source said.

Earlier, on October 11, a senior official from Vizag Port told ICMW that a level 3 alarm had been raised at Vizag. “Vessels are leaving anchorage and going to safe zone in main the sea…” he had said.

Till midnight of October 11, no vessels were removed from the berths at Vizag Port. The Vizag General Cargo Berth (VGCB) Terminal, however, requested officials at Vizag Port not to berth any ship at the terminal for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, Paradip Port, which was badly affected by Cyclone Phailin exactly a year ago, was able to carry out its operations “as usual” on October 12, a port official said.