(Reopens BES17)

Meanwhile, Warangal Collector Rahul Bojja said standing crops, particularly maize, in nearly 4,000 hectares have been damaged due to the downpour. "As many as 4,734 farmers suffered loss on account of crop damage," he said in a statement. Maize crop in Regonda, Parkal, Atmakur, Shayampet, Nekkonda, Chityal, Mogullapalli, Hanamkonda, Geesukonda, Sangem and Venkatapur mandals were damaged due to gales, hailstorm and rain, Bojja said. The collector said a report has been sent to the state government on the crop damage, seeking suitable compensation for farmers.