Rains lash eastern parts of Chittoor

Tirupati: Moderate to heavy rains reported in the eastern mandals of the district and areas in Tirupati revenue division on Wednesday while the pilgrim city experienced incessant rains since morning throwing normal life out of gear.

According to information reaching here, the mandals near the east coast including Satyavedu, Varadaiahpalem, BN Kandriga, KVB Puram, Srikalahasti, Thottambedu, Yerpedu and Renigunta witnessed heavy rains while Nagalapuram, Nagari, and Chandragiri mandals experienced moderate to heavy rains thanks to the low pressure developed over South West Bay of Bengal. 

The heavy showers which greeted the denizens of Tirupati early morning continuing with short interval now and then while Tirumala, the abode Lord Venkateswara, received heavy rains. The pilgrims, who were caught unaware of the rains, faced inconvenience due to the rains. The TTD staff were busy clearing the rainwater in and around the temple to avoid water logging.

With the Met authorities indicate the rains to continue on Thursday also, the civic authorities are on alert and keeping a close watch in the low-lying areas and also in the colonies on both side of the two streams Kapilatheertham and Malavanigunta meandering through thickly populated localities in the city. The two streams which dried up started flowing with rains on Tirumala Hills.

Heavy downpour in Nellore
Nellore: Farmers in the district are thanking god for blessing them with good rains on Wednesday. Heavy downpour in Nellore district began from the afternoon. Farmers are expecting groundwater levels will improve significantly with the frequent spells of rains. The district had recorded 63 per cent deficit rainfall. Doravarisatram which is close to Tamil Nadu had received rainfall of 9 cm, which has been the highest in the entire district. 

Other parts are also receiving good spells from the morning. Gudur, Sydapuram and Chittamuru have received 7 cm; Tada 6 cm; Jaladanki, Venkatachalam and Sullurpet 5 cm; Venkatagiri 4 cm; Naidupet, Manubolu, Kota and Chillakuru around 3.5 cm; Kavali and Kaligiri 3.2 cm and Rapur received 3 cm on Wednesday.

Mandals close to the sea coast and others were also receiving huge falls due to the weather system in the Bay. Met department warned that south coastal Andhra Pradesh would get heavy to very heavy rains at isolated places in Nellore, Chittoor, Kadapa and Anantapur districts. Squally winds at 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph is likely to prevail over southwest Bay of Bengal along and off Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts.