Cyclone Arnab: Light to moderate rain lashes Khammam, Kothagudem, farmers concerned

Khammam: Many mandals in Khammam and Kothagudem districts witnessed light to moderate rainfall on Wednesday due to the impact of cyclone Arnab.

Aswaraopet and Dammapet mandals in Kothagudem recorded rainfall of 47.3 mm and 32.8 mm respectively while several mandals in Khammam and Kothagudem recorded rainfall exceeding 20 mm between 8.30 am to 7 pm.

The rain caused some inconvenience to employees heading to government and private offices, as well as to students commuting to schools and colleges in Khammam. In Kothagudem, a local holiday was announced for all educational institutions.

Though residents of the erstwhile Khammam were pleased to witness rainfall after a long dry spell and prolonged high daytime temperatures, the farming community was worried that the rains could damage Kharif cotton and paddy crops that were ready for harvest. In some parts, cotton was being brought to agricultural markets.

As there was a forecast of moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds over the next 24 hours, the district Collectors of Kothagudem and Khammam placed the administration on alert and cancelled leave for government staff.

Bhadrachalam Sub-Collector Mrunal Shrestha, anticipating heavy rainfall due to cyclone Arnab, inspected vulnerable areas at Bhadrachalam on Wednesday. He told NDRF teams and officials to remain available round the clock.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy urged the public to remain alert. He spoke to Khammam Collector Divakara TS and Kothagudem Collector Ankit and instructed them to implement all necessary precautions.