Heavy rains lash south AP

Vijayawada: Cyclonic storm Mandous has weakened into a deep depression but the weather system impacted several parts of south coastal and Rayalaseema districts of Andhra Pradesh early on Saturday.

Naidupeta in Tirupati district received the highest rainfall at 281.5 mm during the past 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Saturday. According to officials of the State Disaster Management Authority, the intensity of the rains has come down.

Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting with officials concerned on the cyclone-related rains. He instructed the collectors of SPSR Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor and Annamayya districts to be on alert and open relief camps wherever there is a need.

Reddy also directed the officials to ensure that people do not venture out in those areas where heavy rains are expected. As a precautionary measure, the state government has shifted 190 people to 28 relief camps in Tirupati district.

SPSR Nellore and Tirupati districts were placed on alert due to possibility of flash floods in the minor rivers -- Kandaleru, Maneru and Swarnamuki, according to a government report.

The list of vulnerable mandals and villages has been sent to the districts for taking necessary precautionary measures, the report said. As many as 150 SDRF and 95 NDRF personnel have been deployed in four districts to be pressed into service in case of any eventuality.