VISAKHAPATNAM: It was a big relief for the people of north Andhra region and West Godavari district as many areas witnessed drop in temperatures and experienced cloudy and breezy weather Thursday. But East Godavari district was battered as usual by heat wave, while West Godavari district experienced heavy rains with gusty winds and Srikakulam district had thunderstorms.
Visakhapatnam: For most part of the day the sky was cloudy in the city except in the afternoon. The maximum temperature recorded was 37 degree Celsius at Vizag airport and 34.1 Celsius at Waltair. One death was reported in the district Thursday. However after a detailed survey 158 deaths were confirmed by the district administration till now. But there was no oppressive heat wave and there was cool breeze by evening. Unlike last week, normal life was not effected in the district. Public thronged local beaches in the evening and in one of the incidents, three youngsters drowned in Jodugulapalem beach when they went for a swim. Araku and Ananthagiri received heavy rainfall in the afternoon.
Vizianagaram: The district too recorded drop in temperatures with all areas reporting around 36 to 37 degree Celsius. It was mostly cloudy weather. There was slight drizzle in the agency areas of Vizianagaram district with cool breeze blowing by evening. As many as 128 deaths have been reported till now in the district.
Srikakulam: The district too saw a fall in the temperatures with drizzle and thunderstorms reported in some areas. The maximum temperature recorded was 35 degree Celsius. There was slight rain in many areas of the district. Some interior areas witnessed thunderstorms. One farmer died in lightning at Solikiri village of Bamini mandal Thursday. A total of 57 deaths have been reported officially till now.
Rajahmundry: There was scorching sun and heat wave. Two persons died of sunstroke in East Godavari district on Thursday. So far 112 persons have lost their lives in the district. Rajahmundry recorded 44 degree Celsius, Kakinada 42 Celsius and Amalapuram 40 Celsius. The DMHO is monitoring the situation.
Eluru: Heavy rain and gusty winds wreaked havoc in several areas of West Godavari district Thursday. As many as 40 thatched houses were gutted, many trees and electric poles were uprooted at Patamupparru village in Pedapadu mandal of the district. Many villages in the district faced power interruption in the heavy rains. Bhimavaram, Denduluru and Bhimadole had experienced heavy rains. The crop loss is yet to be estimated. No deaths were reported Thursday.