AP storm claims 20 lives

The cyclonic storm, which caused heavy damage in the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, is expected to intensify further and cross the coast on Thursday night, even as the toll in the heavy rain has risen to 20.

Official sources said Guntur district accounted for the maximum number of 12 deaths, followed by Prakasam three, East Godavari two, West Godavari, and Krishna and Visakhaptnam one each.

The storm is expected to move in a north-north easterly direction and cross the north Andhra Pradesh and the south Orissa coasts between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur (Orissa).

Sources said more than 2,000 people were evacuated from low- laying areas in Guntur district.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation from his Kuppam constituency in Chittoor district and directed Revenue Minister Devender Goud and Relief Commissioner A K Tigidi to open a central control room in the secretariat.

In a statement issued in Hyderabad, Tigidi said efforts were on to rescue 13 people "held up due to heavy flow'' in Pasupuleti Vagu in Guntur district.

Under the influence of the storm, Prakasam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna and Visakhaptnam districts have been receiving heavy rainfall. In Prakasam, about 250 mm rainfall was recorded in Chirala, Parchuru, Karmchedu and Martur.

Guntur district has received 166 mm of rainfall in the last 48 hours.

UNI