Heavy rain in several districts across the State, especially in coastal Andhra has caused disruption of normal life and damage to crops.

The rains, under the low pressure system formed in the Bay of Bengal, have been widespread. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low pressure lay over the south coast A.P adjoining west central bay of Bengal and neighbourhood. It has predicted heavy rain in parts of all districts of the coastal region and Rayalseema during the next 48 hours.

Heavy rain would also occur at isolated places in the districts of Mahabubnagar, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Nalgonda, Khammam and Medak in the Telangana region during the same period.

As per official information, agriculture operations, especially paddy and cotton in 87,896 hectares has been effected/inundated. One person died in Guntur district, while 33 houses damaged in Kadapa (32) and Guntur one. About 14 relief camps are functional and about 187 families in Visakhapatnam evacuated.

The State Government has instructed district collectors to be in readiness and prepared to even evacuate people where necessary, especially in low-lying areas and accommodate them in cyclone/flood relief camps and provide food and shelter.

somasekhar.m@thehindu.co.in