Hyderabad, Mar 5 (KMW): Unseasonal rains and hailstorm left a trail of death and destruction in Andhra Pradesh in the last two days, even as more rain, thundershowers and hailstorm are forecast during the next 48 hours.
The rains accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds claimed five lives–four in Warangal district, while one person died near Zaheerabad in Medak district when he was hit by hailstrom. Standing jowar, corn, chilly, turmeric and mango crops over thousands of acres were damaged due to the unusual nature’s fury.
Governor E S L Narasimhan has asked the Chief Secretary to assess the losses due to the rains.
Normal life in the state capital too was affected when hail and thundershowers lashed many parts of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
In many areas, hard ice of various sizes fell from the skies for nearly 15 minutes taking the residents by surprise. Weather office said that the unseasonal rains and thundershowers or hailstorm may occur in all the regions of the state during th next 48 hours. Authorities warned farmers to be careful while in the fields as lightning may strike in some places.
