An aerial view of flood-affected villages of Andhra Pradesh. (Press Trust of India photo)
As many as 35 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents as incessant rains, triggered by north east monsoon, battered several districts of Andhra Pradesh during the past one week, a top official said today.
35 people were killed in different rain-related incidents like wall collapses in several districts which bore the brunt of the heavy downpour, Parakala Prabhakar, Advisor (Communications), told PTI.
The districts of Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa and Anantapur were the worst-hit due to the heavy rains. Several rivers and rivulets were in spate following the rains.
Low-lying areas were inundated in villages and towns in the affected districts and crops suffered extensive damages.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu undertook an aerial survey of the rain-hit districts and directed ministers to supervise rescue and relief measures.
The chief minister also directed the officials to expedite the supply of essential commodities to the victims in affected areas in Nellore, Chittoor and Kadapa, where he is going to visit tomorrow, according to an official release.
The officials were also asked to reconstruct damaged roads and bridges on war footing to clear vehicular traffic on national highway between Gudur and Chennai, it said.
He appealed to the Centre to release Rs 1,000 crore as advance funds for taking up immediate relief and rehabilitation efforts, it added.
Mr Naidu has written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh seeking assistance, it said.
Noting that a loss of Rs 3,000 crore has occurred due the heavy rains and floods as per preliminary estimates, he said the final report would be sent after enumeration.
Meanwhile, Joint Collector for East Godavari District S Satyanarayana today said 3,000 blankets will be dispatched to areas affected by incessant rains in Nellore, Chittoor and Prakasam districts.
He said district rice miller association had handed over 3,000 blankets for people affected by severe rains.
"These blankets will be dispatched to the rain-hit areas in Nellore tomorrow," the officer said.