Andhra Pradesh: 17 die in two days as rains wreak havoc

Hyderabad: As many as 17 people have lost their lives in the last two days in rain-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh, with heavy downpour causing extensive damage to crops, officials said on Sunday. Most of the deaths were after being struck by thunderbolts and due to electrocution, they said, adding that crops in 1,47,986 hectares have been damaged due to the heavy rains.

According to officials, horticulture crops like mango and chilies were damaged in 1,04,558 hectares.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who reviewed the situation here, has directed ministers to supervise relief and rescue operations in the affected districts.

Most of the deaths were after being struck by thunderbolts and due to electrocution, officials said.

Enumeration of the damage was in progress and the Chief Minister would take up an extensive review on Monday. The rains lashed all three regions of the state with Krishna and neighbouring Guntur receiving the highest 88.8 mm and 66.4 mm rainfall.

Farmers were distraught as rains caused damage to standing paddy, maize and bengalgram crops.

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