Heavy Rains Lash Nellore, Holiday for Schools and Colleges Tomorrow

ANANTAPUR: Moderate to heavy rains due to deep depression over the Bay of Bengal lashed many parts of Nellore and Tirupati districts Saturday evening. The meteorological department said that Naidupeta recorded the highest rainfall of 5 cm until 6 pm, closely followed by Pellakuru, Thottambedu, Yerpedu, and Nagalapuram mandals with 4 cm. Srikalahasti, Renigunta, Pith Chatoor, and Buchinaidukandriga mandals in Tirupati district received 3 cm of rainfall.

Nellore city and rural areas were also impacted with Muthukuru, Vidavaluru, and Dagadarthi mandals recording 1 cm of rainfall.

Anticipating further downpours, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that Nellore district may witness moderate to heavy rainfall coupled with thunderstorms between Sunday and Tuesday.

The Nellore and Tirupati district administrations have issued alerts, urging residents to remain vigilant and indoors.

Nellore collector M. Harinarayanan announced closure of schools and colleges on Monday and advised citizens to contact the 1077 control room for assistance during emergencies.

Harinarayanan has cancelled leaves for officials while revenue and police officials were tasked with monitoring causeways and ensuring readiness of equipment such as JCBs and generators for traffic clearance during heavy rains. Transco officials were directed to monitor and maintain power supply, while NDRF and SDRF teams are on standby for rescue operations.

In Tirupati, collector K. Venkataramana Reddy has warned of heavy rainfall and gusty winds with speeds of 50-75 kilometers from December 3-5. The administration has established a control room reachable at 0877-2236007. The Chittoor control room can be reached on 9491077356.

Officials in both districts have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and water levels at major reservoirs during heavy rains.

Prakasam district administration cancelled leaves for all government employees and directed full preparedness as regards rescue measures.

YSRC cancelled the Gadapa Gadapa Ku programme in Kadapa district due to incessant rains.