Andhra Pradesh: Heavy rains leave a trail of death & destruction

Updated: Monday, November 23, 2015, 15:20 [IST]

Hyderabad, Nov 23: Like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh is also witnessing heavy downpour from last one week.

Anantapur, Godavari, Chittoor, Kadapa, Machilipatnam and Nellore are among the worst-affected districts, where incessant rains led to inundation of low-lying areas in towns and villages.

An aerial view of flood effected villages of Andhra Pradesh

According to reports, Tirupati is also under the grip of knee-deep water, as torrential rains have created havoc in the state.

As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD) report, perpetual rains are expected in Andhra Pradesh, as another low pressure area is building up in the Bay of Bengal.

Due to the trail of destruction, at least ten deaths have been reported so far and 80 houses were reportedly damaged. Flash floods also claimed 80 lives of cattle.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams offers aid to stranded pilgrims

TTD is supplying free food to stranded pilgrims and it has also appealed devotees not to bring children and elderly to the temple till the weather becomes clear, a news report said.

As a precautionary measure, TTD has closed down the second ghat road and the pedestrian pathway.

Although there seems to be no sooner respite from rains, the rescue, relief and rehabilitation work is going on.

Unseasonal rains triggered by the northeast monsoon lashed several districts flooding low-lying areas and throwing normal life out of gear. Almost every year, Andhra Pradesh is hit by cyclones and drought.

On Thursday, Nov 19, 20 trains were cancelled followed by heavy rains. Transportation became a major issue as several vehicles were stuck on the highway.

In Tamil Nadu, the death toll due to heavy rains and floods have reached 122. Six districts have declared rain holidays in Tamil Nadu, as more rains have been predicted for next 24 hours.