Nellore: Though Nellore district was supposed to be out of the cyclonic threat, Gudur division experienced heavy rain since Saturday afternoon, throwing normal life out of gear.

Revenue Divisional Officer K. Subramanyam Reddy said that Tada mandal recorded the highest rainfall of 17.80 cm followed by Sullurpet (16 cm) D.V. Satram (8 cm) and Vakadu (7.2 cm).

He, however, clarified that the rainfall was mainly due to prevailing weather conditions and that people need not be apprehensive. At Tada, the compound wall of a battery manufacturing company collapsed to an extent of 10 metres but there were no casualties or injuries to anyone.

At Sullurpet, the Kalangi river has been overflowing resulting in water on the national highway, slightly affecting traffic. Mr. Reddy, who had been touring the areas, said all the mandal-level officers have been asked to maintain vigil and be at their allotted places. According to RDO Venkateswara Reddy only drizzles were experienced at Kavali.

100-cr relief sought

Meanwhile, at Nellore the day witnessed incessant rain. Joint Collector B. Ramaiah said it was normal rainfall and advised people not to get panicky.

Meanwhile, State vice-president of Congress C.V. Sesha Reddy on Saturday asked the Government to immediately provide an assistance of Rs. 100 crores to the rain-hit people of Nellore district, which had been lashed by three cyclones and was still experiencing rain.

In a statement issued here on Saturday, he pointed that it was high time the Government took the issue seriously. Mr. Reddy charged that relief measures were tardy. Mr. Reddy expressed concern over the plight of farmers, as crop in more than 45,000 acres had been affected. While the farmer faced continuous drought earlier, now, now it was floods and inadequate assistance, he remarked.

Plight of fishermen

The incessant rainfall and recent warnings about possible heavy rain and cyclone have severely affected fishermen in the district for the last one month. In view of the warnings, they had to restrain from going into the sea resulting in loss to their livelihood. Since agriculture was also badly hit due to rain, they could not even undertake farm labour work. Most of the fishermen sought supply of rice and kerosene as was done during the tsunami disaster and urged the Government to extend immediate help.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail