Anantapur: Gusty winds and heavy rains hit orchards and fields in various parts of Rayalaseema region on Friday night, damaging mango, banana and papaya orchards and paddy fields in Annamayya and Kadapa districts.
Orchard owners had already been hit by gusty winds and rains a month ago. Friday night’s rains have added to their losses.
Worst hit due to Friday’s rains are banana crops, which had been ready for harvest. Many banana plants fell down due to the gusty winds in Rajampet and Nandalur areas of Annamayya district. As per a preliminary assessment, at least 557 acres of banana, papaya, mango and paddy crops have got damaged.
Power supply got disrupted in many parts of Rajampet area after trees fell on electric poles due to the gusty winds. Meteorology department has predicted moderate rains for two more days in Annamayya and YSR Kadapa districts.
Heavy rains inundated low-lying areas in Anantapur city and other parts.
