Did Heavy Rains Cause Tragedy in Andhra Pradesh?

Synopsis
Heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh have led to tragic fatalities, significant crop damage, and disruptions in daily life. With continued forecasts of severe weather, authorities are on high alert to address the aftermath and prevent further incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities reported due to lightning in Bapatla.
- Severe flooding disrupted normal life in Vijayawada.
- Crops in the Krishna district faced significant losses.
- Authorities are taking measures to mitigate damage and restore normalcy.
- IMD forecasts ongoing severe weather until May 7.
Vijayawada, May 4 (NationPress) Two individuals tragically lost their lives as intense rainfall, along with strong winds, impacted various regions of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, disrupting daily activities and leading to significant crop damage.
The fatalities occurred in the Bapatla district due to separate lightning strikes.
Many low-lying areas and roads became flooded, while trees and electricity poles were toppled by the severe weather.
In Vijayawada, the heavy rain severely disrupted normal life, with multiple roads inundated and hampering vehicular movement.
The downpour also lowered temperatures, providing much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring extreme heat in recent days.
Areas such as Moghalraja Puram and Patamata experienced flooding, with rainwater entering the Pandit Nehru Bus Stand. Authorities took precautionary measures by closing the Indira Keladri ghat road.
The Penamaluru and Gannavaram constituencies also faced heavy rainfall, causing trees to fall onto roads and halting traffic.
NTR district Collector G. Lakshmisha assessed the affected regions and instructed officials to remove uprooted trees and address water accumulation issues.
Substantial crop losses were reported in the Krishna district, with paddy, maize, and banana crops suffering severely.
Additionally, Tirupati, a renowned temple town, also experienced heavy rains and strong winds, leading to flooding and downed trees and hoardings.
West Godavari district, including Bhimavaram, as well as Eluru and Konaseema districts, also recorded heavy rainfall. The strong winds caused extensive damage, uprooting trees and impacting electricity infrastructure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Amaravati has predicted thunderstorms with high winds across northern and southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema until May 7.
Minister for Housing and Information & Public Relations K. Parthasarthy conducted a video conference with officials to review the situation caused by the heavy rains.
He urged officials to stay vigilant amidst the unseasonal rains and to address concerns regarding drinking water and electricity supply.
The minister also requested various departments to collaborate effectively to prevent any adverse incidents.
He instructed officials to report on the damages to mango and other horticultural crops in the Nuzvid constituency.