Hailstorms in AP claims 16 lives: Dharmana Prasad

Hyderabad, Mar 22 (UNI) The recent heavy rains/hailstorms in Andhra Pradesh have claimed 16 lives and damaged crops and property worth Rs 45.38 crore, state Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasad said today.

Making a statement in the State Assembly, he said according to preliminary reports, crops in 2.52 lakh acres were damaged affecting 56,678 farmers. While the loss of livestock was 5176 animals, the damage to 1517 houses was to the tune of Rs 29 lakh.

Relief would be provided under the Apadbandhu scheme to those living below the poverty line and for others from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, he said, adding that on receipt of final report from the District Collectors, compensation would be provided to those who lost houses and input subsidy to farmers as per the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) norms.

Of the 23 districts, 18 districts, 10 in Telangana and four each in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra, received excess rainfall following hailstorms on March 3, 5, 9 and 10, he said.

Earlier, members cutting across party lines demanded that the Government provide relief to those affected immediately and make the Crop Insurance Scheme beneficial to farmers by making village as unit for deciding compensation.

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