Toll mounts to 39 in torrential rains

Hyderabad, Sep 21 (UNI) The toll in rain-related incidents rose to 39 with eight more deaths even as levels in major rivers, including Godavari, started receding today, providing much needed relief to people affected by the last spell of rains, The worst-hit Karimnagar accounted for a maximum of 15 deaths, followed by Guntur (eight), Warangal(seven), Adilabad and West godavari (three each), Khammam(two) and Medak(one), official sources said.

Isolated heavy to very heavy falls were likely over north Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Moderate to rather heavy rain or thundershowers are likely at many places over other parts of the coastal region, as also Telangana, the Met office said.

The second flood warning was withdrawn at the temple town of Bhadrachalam, as the level fell to 44.60 ft. With the level of 4.66 metres, the flow was steady at the Dowleswaram Barrage from which over 14 lakh cusecs of water was discharged into the sea.

In West Godavari, due to incessant rains, 20 habitations in Polavaram mandal were cut off. Crops in 3961 hectares were submerged. Over 5000 food packets have been distribued in the lowlying areas of Rajahmundry.

Ring bunding is being strengthened at Sanepalle Lanka where the embankment had been breached during the last spell of rains, they added.

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