Four killed as rain, strong winds wreak havoc in Andhra
Amaravati, May 29
Four persons were killed in separate incidents as rains with strong winds caused havoc in parts of Andhra Pradesh late on Thursday night.
Two youths were killed when a tree fell on the motorbike they were riding, in Krishna district's Kummarapalem. The deceased were identified as Manohar and Shivarama Krishna
A Home Guard and a student died of electrocution in two separate incidents.
A student died of electrocution in Krishna district. The deceased was identified as Anitha, a student of Intermediate
The incident occurred in Lankapalli village in Pamidimukkala mandal when Anitha had gone to the tap to fetch drinking water. She came in contact with an electric wire which had snapped due to gusty winds last night.
A Home Guard died when an electricity wire fell on him in Vijayawada in NTR district.
Trees and electricity poles were uprooted and hoardings collapsed due to strong winds at some places in the affected districts.
Vehicular traffic was disrupted at some places as the uprooted trees fell on the roads.
Heavy rains lashed Machilipatnam of Karishna district, inundating roads and disrupting vehicular traffic.
Lightning struck Rythu Seva Kendr in East Godavari district. Empty bags stored at the centre for farmers caught fire. Fire department personnel reached the scene and brought the flames under control.
The electricity supply was affected in some areas in the districts of Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Bapatla, Planadu, East Godavari, West Godavari, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema and Kadapa
Minister for Energy, Gottipati Ravi Kumar stated that there was disruption in electricity supply in some areas due to rains and strong winds last night.
He directed officials to restore the supply by Friday afternoon. He said the restoration work was affected due to rains and strong winds.
Officials informed the minister that electricity supply has been restored in most of the affected areas in the two Godavari districts. He appealed to people to take all precautions to avoid incidents of electrocution.
The minister expressed grief over the incident in which a Home Guard died of electrocution after an electric wire snapped and fell on him. He assured all support to the family of the deceased.
Meanwhile, State Disaster Management Authority said that scattered rains accompanied by lightning are likely in the districts of East Godavari, Kakinada, Guntur, Bapatla, and Tirupati.
According to Prakhar Jain, Managing Director, State Disaster Management Authority, strong gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected. He advised people to remain alert and not to stand under trees, utility poles, or hoardings.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I live in Guntur and we lost power for 12 hours last night. But my thoughts are with those who lost their lives, especially the girl Anitha who just went to fetch water. Such a tragic accident. The minister should have inspected faster.
The disaster management authority warned about 40-50 kmph winds, but the government didn't act proactively. No prior checks on weak electric poles or tree branches? We need accountability, not just grief statements. RIP to the victims.
Stay safe, Andhra! Living in the US, I see how different the infrastructure is. But nature's fury is unpredictable. The Home Guard who died on duty is a real hero. We should better fund disaster preparedness in rural areas.
It's unfortunate that even basic safety measures like insulated wires are neglected. The fact that a girl died fetching water and a Home Guard on duty shows how fragile life can be. Hope the government compensates the families well.
Heavy rains are becoming common during this season, but still no proper alerts or tree-trimming drives! The fire at the Rythu Seva Kendra is extra loss for farmers already struggling. More proactive steps needed from Panchayats. 🙏
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