Over 50 died in rain-related incidents in 20 days: AP Deputy CM

Rajahmundry: Over 50 persons died in last 20 days in various parts of Andhra Pradesh in rain-related incidents, deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala Chinarajappa said here on Thursday.

He said National Disaster Response Force teams were deployed in Nellore and Chittoor districts today where several rivulets are in spate due to rains, to carry out relief and rescue operations.

"Over 50 people died in rain-related incidents over last 20 days. The rains have damaged crops on five lakh acres," Chinarajappa said.

Chittoor, Nellore and other districts of Andhra Pradesh bordering Tamil Nadu have been bearing the brunt of heavy rains.

He said government was taking all necessary measures to bring people from the state who are stranded in Chennai to their places in Andhra Pradesh.

The minister said incessant rains have caused an estimated loss of Rs 6750 crore to agriculture and infrastructure sectors.

"The continuous rains for last 20 days have affected agricultural sector, including crops and irrigation, and the collective loss is estimated at Rs 3750 crore. Besides, the municipalities and zilla parishads in the state have incurred loss of Rs 3000 crore due to rains. Government has submitted a preliminary report to Central government," the deputy CM said.

Chinarajappa said that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has already sent ministers and IAS officers to rain-affected areas to expedite relief and rescue operations.

"Irrigation sources and roads are severely affected in Rayalaseema region," he said.