Andhra and Telangana drenched in heavy rains, 140 trains cancelled, PM assures help

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states are drenched in heavy rains. Reports said many people have died in the rains. Road and rail traffic has been severely affected by the rains that lashed many places. 140 trains have been cancelled in south central railway in Vijayawada division. The railways also informed that 97 have been diverted.

With all rivers overflowing, the state and national disaster management authority came forward with rescue operations. 26 NDRF teams have been deployed in both states. Rains are likely to intensify in both the states in coming days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the chief ministers of both states over phone. The government has confirmed that nine people have died in the rains and three have been swept away in Telangana. The rains are severe in the districts including Mahabubnagar, Khammam and Suryapet.

15 people have died in the rains in Andhra Pradesh. The warning is that rain will continue in the coming hours in various districts including Srikakulam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Vijayanagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam and Kakinada. About 17000 people have been moved to safe place. There are 107 relief camps.

Meantime, the weather department has warned that the rains will continue for the next week in Gujarat, where a flood-like situation continues. The release of water from the Ajwa dam into the Vishwamitri river has raised the water level to eight feet in many parts of the city.