Cyclone 'Mandous' weakens: 42 divisions affected in Nellore, 126 relief centers set up

Nellore/ Tirupati: Cyclonic storm 'Mandous' has weakened into a deep depression over north Tamil Nadu. The cyclone moved northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph. It will likely move nearly west-northwestwards and gradually weaken into a depression by noon on December 10. As a result, heavy rains lashed many parts of the Nellore, Prakasam, Tirupati, Annamaiah, Chittoor, and Kadapa districts.

District administrations have been put on alert. A total of five NDRF and four SDRF teams have been deployed in coastal districts.

The cyclone has affected about 42 divisions in the Nellore district. Magunta layout, Ramalingapuram, and Atmakuru bus stand were flooded.

According to the official data, on December 10, Manubole recorded the highest rainfall of 277 mm. It was followed by Syndapuram with 228 mm of rainfall, Muthukur with 218 mm, and Venkatachalam with 211 mm.

The water level at Somaseela dam has increased. Its inflow is at 11500 cusecs and outflow at 27,800 cusecs. Officials have announced a yellow alert for the Nellore district.

In Tirupati, the officials have set up 126 cyclone relief centers. Around 250 members from the low-lying areas have been shifted to government shelters.

Agriculture Minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy reviewed the situation in Nellore district along with collector K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu. He said the government has deployed special officers in all vulnerable mandals and set up round-the-clock control rooms in all district headquarters. People from low-lying areas are being shifted to safer places. Fishermen were asked not to venture into the sea for fishing for the next three days.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a meeting with the officials to take stock of the situation in various districts on Saturday. He asked officials to pay special attention to the affected areas witnessing heavy rainfall.