Six killed in rain-related incidents in AP

Six persons were killed in rain-related incidents in Andhra Pradesh as heavy rains triggered by north east monsoon continued to lash several districts in the state.
"Six persons have died due to rain related incidents in many districts and an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the kin of the victims is being announced. About 15,000 people were shifted to relief camps from the affected areas," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said.
In a tele-conference held to take stock of the incessant rains in the state, Naidu directed the officials to remain alert for the next 48 hours.
"I have asked officials of Nellore, Kadapa and Chittoor districts to be vigilant for the next 48 hours," he said here.

He told the officials to complete the relief, restoration and rehabilitation works, including restoration of electricity, on a war-footing.
The Chief Minister directed the officials to distribute 20 kg rice and two litres kerosene to the flood victims within a day.

Naidu said two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) helicopters from Chennai have arrived in Chittoor and Nellore districts to rescue people stranded in flood waters.
He also appealed social organisations and political parties to voluntarily take up relief activities for the affected in these 3 districts.
Naidu announced compensation for completely and partially damaged houses.
Naidu said under the 'Neeru- Chettu'(water and tree)

programme undertaken by the state Water Resources Ministry this summer, water bodies were repaired and restored which ultimately reduced the damages of water bodies and reduced the impact of heavy rains.
Heavy rains triggered by the north east monsoon continued to lash several districts of Andhra Pradesh flooding low-lying areas and throwing normal life completely out of gear.
The heavy rains led to inundation of low-lying areas in towns and villages in Chittoor and other districts.
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Following heavy rains, some bogeys of a train derailed last night on the Renigunta-Vijayawada line near Mantapam Palli, 30 kms from Kadapa, following which rail traffic was diverted.

However, no one was hurt or killed in the incident, a railway official said, adding rail traffic has been restored on the route.
However, since a single track is operational, trains are running late by 4 to 6 hours, he said.
Meanwhile, crops of paddy and cotton in large scale were destroyed in the East Godavari district due to heavy rains since the last couple of days, East Godavari agricultural department Joint Director Vijayakumar said.