The Hindu Business Line : AP on alert as fresh rains claim 14 lives

LOW-LYING AREAS in Karimnagar town were flooded and at least 14 people were killed as heavy rains lashed coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions on Tuesday. - R. Raju

Hyderabad , Sept 19

Unabated rains continued to hit Andhra Pradesh for the sixth day, claiming 14 lives in various parts of the State. Officials of the Meteorology Department have predicted that rains would continue to lash the State in the next two days.

The Government has set up a helpline (phone nos. 2345 1043 and 2345 6005) for people in distress to communicate with the officials.

Speaking to newspersons on Tuesday, Mr Dharmana Prasada Rao, Minister for Revenue, said that while the coastal region received 96.9 mm of rain in the last six days, Rayalaseema received 62.7 mm and Telangana 117.3 mm.

The rains were preceded by a long dry spell, upsetting the kharif season to a great extent in several districts.

Copious rainfall in the last few days, however, made the averages look normal in the coastal and Telangana regions.

Major reservoirs have received floodwater, improving power generation at major hydel units.

With the catchment areas of major rivers receiving heavy rainfall, the Government has alerted the officials to take measures to minimise losses.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, held a review meeting with the Departments concerned to take stock of the situation.

The Revenue Minister said that the kin of the deceased would get a financial assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh each.

Allegations refuted

Meanwhile, Dr J. Geeta Reddy, Minister for Industries, Tourism and Sugar, refuted the allegations made by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) on withering away of crops in Medak district due to power shortage.

She told newspersons that a sizeable number of farmers were drawing power illegally, putting a lot of pressure on the system. This was the reason for the breakdown and subsequent interruption of power.

"We have told the officials to give seven hours of power to the farming community. We even asked them to cut power to domestic usage and to towns, if need be."

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