Date:31/10/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/31/stories/2005103105520600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

YSR seeks Rs. 800-cr. aid from Centre

Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to grant immediately an interim assistance of Rs. 800 crore for taking up relief and rehabilitation works in rain-battered areas.

Dr. Reddy undertook an aerial survey of the rain-affected areas in Prakasam, Guntur and Nellore districts. At some places he interacted with the affected people. According to Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy, the loss was `heavy' but was unlikely to affect the targeted agriculture production.

Several rivulets, streams and tanks continued to be in spate, disrupting normal life in many pockets.

The Penna river rose menacingly, filling the Somasila project to the brim. Flood fury continued in Nalgonda district. Meanwhile, the toll rose to 32.