One killed in heavy rains in Andhra

Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, June 22 (UNI) Heavy rains claimed a life at Nallamala vagu village in Prakasham district of Andhra Pradesh, which recorded 11 cm of rainfall.

District Collector Devanand said the dead body of a field watchman, who had gone to work last night, was found this morning in the district.

He said the district administration was fully geared up to meet any eventuality. Over 2,000 people have been evacuated to four relief centres opened here, he added.

Mr Devanand, accompanied by other officials, visited the low-lying areas to supervise relief operations. So far, 11.8 cm rainfall had been recorded in the district.

Around 70 mechanised boats along with fishermen went missing in the Bay of Bengal in Prakasham district limits. Out of them, 41 boats have returned safely after some time.

The district administration, which was ready to take up an aerial survey to locate the remaining boats, have sighted the 29 boats.

Racharla and Bestavari Pet Mandals were the worst-affected. Mr Devanand would leave for Bestavari Pet to assess the damage caused by heavy rains. He also announced distribution of 20 kg rice for the affected people in several areas in the district for immediate relief in addition to bread and milk for children.

UNI