'Helen' effect: More rainfall expected in Andhra Pradesh

HYDERABAD: As cyclone 'Helen' crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast, more rainfall has been forecast in most places in its wake even as the state counts its losses from the second natural disaster since last month.

Though officials said two people were killed in separate rain-related incidents in Krishna district yesterday, reports indicate that the toll could be higher.

Most parts of Andhra Pradesh may witness rainfall during the next 24 hours after 'Helen' crossed the coast at Bapatla in Guntur District last night, a release from Disaster Management Commissioner said here today.

"Rainfall would occur at most places with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Guntur, Krishna, West Godavari districts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh during the next 24 hours. Rainfall would also occur in Telangana," it said.

Paddy crop ready for harvest and coconut and banana crops suffered extensive damage in coastal districts, State Disaster Management Commissioner C Parthasarathi said yesterday.

West Godavari district is said to be the worst-hit in terms of crop damage. Coastal districts of Krishna, East Godavari and Srikakulam bore the brunt of heavy rains. The cyclone's impact was also felt in Guntur and Visakhapatnam districts, he had said.

According to him, 10 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had been deployed for rescue operations.

Andhra Pradesh was struck by cyclone 'Phailin' in early October. The storm left behind a trail of destruction in coastal districts though human casualties were low. Officials are still assessing the damage caused by 'Phailin'.