Six killed in rain-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh

Six persons were killed in rain-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh as heavy rains triggered by north east monsoon continued to lash several districts in the state. “Six persons have died due to rain related incidents in many districts and an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the victims is being announced. About 15,000 people were shifted to relief camps from the affected areas,” Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said. In a tele-conference held to take stock of the incessant rains in the state, Naidu directed the officials to remain alert for the next 48 hours.

“I have asked officials of Nellore, Kadapa and Chittoor districts to be vigilant for the next 48 hours,” he said here.

He told the officials to complete the relief, restoration and rehabilitation works, including restoration of electricity, on a war-footing. The Chief Minister directed the officials to distribute 20 kg rice and two litres kerosene to the flood victims within a day.

Naidu said two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) helicopters from Chennai have arrived in Chittoor and Nellore districts to rescue people stranded in flood waters. He also appealed social organisations and political parties to voluntarily take up relief activities for the affected in these 3 districts. Naidu announced compensation for completely and partially damaged houses. “As per primary investigations, crops in about 3,155 hectares (of land) were damaged. Two helicopters have been pressed into service in Nellore and 5 helicopters kept standby to meet any kind of emergency,” he said.