In its latest status update on cyclone Helen, the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Department accounted for six deaths due to the rains. While two persons are reported to have died in Krishna district, two others have died in East Godavari and one each in Srikakulam and West Godavari districts.
The department said so far more than 21,283 persons have been evacuated to safer locations and placed in relief camps.
Referring to some of the rescue operations, the statement said one fishing boat that was stated to be missing near Nizampatnam, has returned safely. And 20 fishermen in three other boats stranded near a Reliance rig in East Godavari were rescued on Friday evening.
The widespread rain has resulted in extensive damage to paddy and horticulture crops. About 1,68,998 hectares of paddy crop is reported to be affected in four districts. About 210 hectares of horticulture crops have also been impacted. The extent of the damage is being estimated.
A 6 km-stretch of road was damaged in Uppada in East Godavari.
About 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed on rescue operations. Helicopters have been kept ready to move in for rescue operations as and when required, according to a statement from the Commissioner for Disaster Management.