Heavy Rains Batter Andhra Pradesh: Two Dead; Widespread Crop Damage Reported

Two people lost their lives in separate lightning strike incidents on Sunday as heavy rains accompanied by gusty winds lashed several parts of Andhra Pradesh.

The severe weather conditions disrupted daily life and caused significant damage to agricultural produce.

Inundation And Traffic Disruptions In Vijayawada

Vijayawada was among the worst-hit areas, with intense rainfall flooding major roads and paralysing vehicular movement.

Key areas such as Moghalraja Puram and Patamata witnessed waterlogging, while rainwater entered the Pandit Nehru Bus Stand.

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Authorities also closed the Indira Keladri ghat road as a precautionary measure.

Despite the chaos, the downpour brought temporary relief to residents suffering from extreme heat over the past few days.

Damage Reported Across Districts

Heavy rains also pounded Penamaluru and Gannavaram constituencies, toppling trees and obstructing traffic.

In the NTR district, Collector G Lakshmisha visited affected areas and instructed officials to clear fallen trees and drain stagnant water promptly.

In the Krishna district, farmers reported extensive crop damage.

Paddy, maize, and banana fields suffered significant losses due to the unseasonal rains.

Tirupati And Coastal Towns Hit Hard

The temple town of Tirupati also experienced heavy downpours and strong winds, which inundated low-lying areas and toppled trees and hoardings.

Bhimavaram in West Godavari, along with Eluru and Konaseema districts, faced similar conditions.

Winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity towers, further compounding the crisis.

IMD Issues Weather Alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by gale-force winds across north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema through 7 May.

The department has urged residents and authorities to remain vigilant.

Government Responds With Emergency Measures

Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister K Parthasarthy conducted a video conference with district officials on Sunday to review the developing situation.

He instructed departments to stay on high alert and coordinate efforts to manage water supply, electricity restoration, and public safety.

The minister also directed officials to assess and submit reports on the damage to mango and other horticulture crops, particularly in the Nuzvid constituency.