7 killed in rain-related mishaps in AP

Out of the seven deaths in different parts of AP till today, three persons died due to electrocution and as many lost their lives due to the incidents of wall collapse, while one person drowned to death in a local stream.

The missing fisherman is from Srikakulam district, officials said here.

'Nilam', which crossed north Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday evening, weakened gradually into a well-marked low pressure area over North Interior Karnataka and adjoining Rayalaseema in AP at 0830 hours today.

The system would further weaken gradually during the next 12 hours. Under the influence of the system, rainfall at many places, with isolated heavy rains would occur over Andhra Pradesh, South Chhattisgarh and South Orissa during the next 24 hours.

The incessant rains resulted in accumulation of water in about 77,000 hectares affecting the standing crops.

"Crops, mostly paddy, in 76,980 hectares are in water. It is not that all of that crop is damaged. Once the water recedes, the district officials would enumerate and send reports," state Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy told reporters here.

The district collectors would give ex-gratia to the kin of those killed in rain-related incidents.

The minister said 30 houses -- 16 fully and 14 partially -- were damaged due to the rains. 449 electric poles were also damaged. Around 5,000 people were provided shelter in relief camps in Prakasam district.