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Key Points

Severe thunderstorms have devastated parts of Andhra Pradesh, resulting in two lightning-related fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage. Multiple districts including Vijayawada, Tirupati, and West Godavari experienced extensive flooding and transportation disruptions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm warning for coastal regions until May 7. State officials are coordinating emergency responses and assessing agricultural and infrastructure losses.

Key Points: Andhra Pradesh Rains Lightning Claims Two Lives Causes Widespread Damage

  • Heavy rains and winds kill two in Bapatla district
  • IMD forecasts thunderstorms until May 7
  • Multiple districts experience flooding and crop damage
  • Authorities conduct emergency response and assessment
2 min read

Heavy rains lash Andhra Pradesh, two killed by lightning

Severe thunderstorms hit Andhra Pradesh, killing two people, causing crop losses, flooding roads, and disrupting normal life across multiple districts

"Remain alert in view of unseasonal rains - K. Parthasarthy, Housing Minister"

Vijayawada, May 4

Two persons were killed as heavy rains, accompanied by gusty winds, lashed parts of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, affecting normal life and causing widespread damage to crops.

Two people were killed in separate incidents of lightning strikes in the Bapatla district.

Low-lying areas and roads were inundated while trees and electricity poles were uprooted due to heavy downpour and strong winds.

Vijayawada received heavy rains, throwing normal life out of gear. Roads in several areas in the city were inundated, affecting the movement of vehicular traffic.

The rains brought down the temperature, providing relief to people reeling under intense heat for the last few days.

Roads were inundated in areas like Moghalraja Puram and Patamata. Rainwater entered the Pandit Nehru Bus Stand. The authorities closed the Indira Keladri ghat road as a precautionary measure.

Heavy rains also lashed the Penamaluru and Gannavaram constituencies. Trees were uprooted and fell on the roads, bringing vehicular traffic to a halt.

NTR district Collector G. Lakshmisha visited the affected areas and directed officials to remove the fallen trees and clear water stagnation points.

Huge crop loss was reported due to rains in the Krishna district. Paddy, maize, and banana crops suffered huge loss.

Meanwhile, heavy rains along with gusty winds lashed the temple town of Tirupati. Low-lying areas and roads in many parts of the town were inundated. Trees and hoardings fell on the roads due to strong winds.

Bhimavaram in West Godavari district, Eluru, and Konaseema districts also received heavy rains. Gusty winds wreaked havoc, uprooting trees and damaging electricity towers.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Amaravati, forecast thunderstorms with gale-force winds across north and south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema until May 7.

Minister for Housing and Information & Public Relations K. Parthasarthy on Sunday held a video conference with officials and reviewed the situation due to heavy rains.

He directed officials to remain alert in view of unseasonal rains and address issues related to drinking water and electricity supply.

The minister asked various departments to work in coordination to prevent any untoward incident.

He directed officials to submit details of the losses to mango and other horticulture crops in the Nuzvid constituency.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Very sad to hear about the loss of lives due to lightning. Andhra's farmers are already struggling and now this unseasonal rain destroys crops. Government should provide immediate compensation. 🙏
P
Priya M.
The weather department needs to improve their early warning systems. Two deaths could have been prevented with better alerts about lightning strikes. Stay safe everyone in AP!
S
Suresh V.
At least the rains brought some relief from the terrible heatwave. But the damage to infrastructure and crops is worrying. Our cities need better drainage systems - every year same problem during rains!
A
Ananya R.
My relatives in Vijayawada said the bus stand was completely flooded. Why don't municipal corporations do pre-monsoon cleaning of drains? This is pure negligence. #AccountabilityNeeded
K
Karthik N.
The mango farmers in Nuzvid must be devastated. This was supposed to be their harvest season. Climate change is making weather patterns so unpredictable these days. Very concerning for our agriculture sector.
M
Meena S.
Good to see the collector visiting affected areas promptly. But officials should focus more on prevention than damage control. Our cities need climate-resilient infrastructure. #UrbanPlanningMatters
V
Vijay P.
The power cuts after such storms are the worst! Hope the electricity department has backup plans. And please people, don't go near fallen electric poles - we've seen enough accidents already.

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