Daijiworld Media Network - Amaravati

Amaravati, Sep 13: Two people died in Andhra Pradesh’s Palnadu district amid heavy rains and thunderstorms triggered by a low-pressure area, officials said on Sunday.

Heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms lashed Narasaraopet and other parts of Palnadu district since Saturday night. One person each from Petlurivaripalem and Lakshmipuram villages died after reportedly being frightened by the intense sound of the thunderstorm.

The deceased were identified as Nagamma (63) and Mekala Venkayamma (60). Both are suspected to have died of cardiac arrest following the frightening thunderstorm, officials said.

Heavy rains also lashed Visakhapatnam and Gajuwaka, while parts of East Godavari district received heavy rainfall. The bus stand at Nidadavole was inundated, causing inconvenience to commuters.

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), a low-pressure area is centred over the Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh regions. In its bulletin issued on Sunday morning, the agency said the system is likely to move in a west-northwest direction over the next 24 hours and may bring moderate to heavy rain to isolated parts of the state.

Gusty winds of 40-60 kmph are likely along the North Andhra coast, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Rain accompanied by lightning is also likely in parts of Eluru, NTR, Krishna, Nandyal and Kurnool districts.

Officials urge caution

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain advised people to avoid standing under trees or hoardings during lightning and strong winds. He also urged people not to attempt to cross overflowing streams or canals.

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha asked people and officials to remain alert in view of the forecast.

She advised people against crossing overflowing streams and canals and directed officials to prohibit vehicular movement in vulnerable areas.

The Home Minister also instructed police and revenue department officials to remain accessible in affected areas and respond promptly to emergencies.

The rainfall, triggered by the low-pressure system, has nevertheless brought some relief from the prevailing heat in the state.

Andhra Pradesh has been experiencing a significant rainfall deficit this year, with heat gripping much of the state and daytime temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius at several places.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information and Management System (APWRIMS), the state received 236.51 mm of rainfall between January 1 and September 9, against the normal rainfall of 578.58 mm, registering a 59.12 per cent shortfall.