The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Cyclone off A.P. coast dissipates

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Monday, Nov 17, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone off A.P. coast dissipates

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh administration heaved a sigh of relief as the cyclonic storm, Khai Muk, which threatened to cause extensive damage, dissipated into a low pressure area after crossing the coast near Kavali, in Nellore district, around 4 a.m on Sunday.

The storm, in fact, gave the much-needed respite to farmers, particularly those in Rayalaseema, who were waiting for the release of water to commence sowing of Bengal gram, groundnut and maize. Officials, who were on their toes since Saturday, are faced with the problem of ensuring supply of adequate fertilizer for the intermediary crops.

According to preliminary estimates, standing crops in over 31,210 hectares in 51 mandals were damaged, with Krishna district (18,110 hectares) and East Godavari (12,500 hectares) bearing the brunt. Bantumille mandal in Krishna district received the highest rainfall of 17.2 cm, Machilipatnam (14 cm), Sitarampuram (13.5 cm) and Gudur (13.4 cm).

Officials, however, clarified that the rain was not likely to cause any major damage to crops, as there was no formation of water sheets. Fields were drying up fast. “All that they need to do is to spray salt solution on wet crop,” Agriculture Commissioner Poonam Malakondaiah told Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy during a video-conference with the Collectors of the affected districts.

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