Heavy Rains Kill 17 In Andhra Pradesh, Crops Damaged

Continuous rains for the last 5 days have thrown normal life out of gear in several parts of Andhra Pradesh. The rain's "fury" continued on Friday, while taking the total death toll to 17.

Heavy rains in the state have damaged crops spread across over 2.5 lakh hectares, marooned several villages and inundated several roads, bringing life to a standstill.

As many as 3,050 houses have been damaged due to heavy rains, and as many as 67,500 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas, and have been shifted to 135 relief camps across the state. A total of 110 cattle have also been reported dead.

While road transport has been badly hit in some districts, the authorities have declared holidays for government school in Srikakulam, Guntur, Nalgonda and Prakasam districts.

Incessant rains have also disrupted normal life in the state capital, with water logging on several main roads, leading to frequent traffic jams.

Rain water entered houses in some localities and the GHMC has ployed teams for relief works.

Meanwhile, the authorities have been conducting a strict vigil on the water levels in Hussain Sagar, which was just 0.10 metres less than the FTL of 513.41 on Friday.

The water levels increased due to heavy inflows into the lake from the catchment areas.

The authorities are gearing up to evacuate people in and around Arundathinagar, Ratnanagar, Dattanagar, Domalaguda, Himayatnagar and Ashoknagar if the rainfall continues, and Hussain Sagar continues to receive more inflows. (INN)