Cyclonic storm ‘Gaja’ has brought much-needed relief to the people of Prakasam and SRSP Nellore districts. Heavy rain lashed the two districts on Friday which had been reeling under a dry spell. Low-lying areas in Ongole were under a sheet of water in the wake of downpour in several spells. Shopkeepers on busy Gandhi road were seen clearing blocked drains. The city received 29 mm rainfall.
Ryots relieved
Weather officials predicted more rain as a fresh low pressure area is likely to form over central parts of the south Bay of Bengal by Sunday evening reviving the hopes of tobacco farmers who, in desperate gamble, had into pressed into service water tankers to save the standing crop.
“'We need at least 2 cm rainfall in a week for healthy growth of crops,” said a group of farmers in Chekurapadu village, which has been experiencing sharp showers in the last 24 hours.
Jaladanki in Nellore district received a maximum of 41.6 mm, officials said.
In Prakasam district, Pamur recorded 31.2 mm followed by Kandukur (29.2 mm).
