Heavy rains lash Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada, May 18: Heavy rains lashed parts of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday as the depression over Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression, the met office said.

"The system is likely to continue to move ... off Andhra Pradesh coast and further intensify into a cyclonic storm," a weather bulletin said.

Nellore district in south coastal Andhra and Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region received heavy rains since early Wednesday, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting movement of vehicles in some areas.

The temple town of Tirupati also got heavy rains, causing inconvenience to devotees.

Shar, Sullurpeta and Tada in Nellore district have received 15 cm rainfall since Tuesday night. Prakasam, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari and other parts of coastal Andhra also received rains.

The first deep depression of the season in the Bay of Bengal led to a marked fall in maximum temperatures in many parts of Andhra Pradesh, providing relief to people.

The met office has forecast heavy to very heavy rains at a few places in all nine districts of coastal Andhra on Wednesday and Thursday.

It also warned of "isolated extremely heavy rains". Heavy rains are also likely at isolated places in all four districts of Rayalaseema region.Authorities in coastal Andhra have gone on alert.

Visakhapatnam District Collector N. Yuvaraj held a meeting with officials and directed them to be prepared to evacuate people from low-lying areas. All coastal police stations have been put on alert.

The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre has advised fishermen not to venture into sea as it is likely to be rough.

It said squally winds with maximum speed of 75 km per hour are likely along and off south coastal Andhra Pradesh.

IANS