Rayalaseema, meteorological sub division of state of Andhra Pradesh has been ravaged by very heavy rains yesterday. The twin cities of Kurnool and Anantapur have been lashed by torrential rains in the opening spell of monsoon, disrupting normal life. Earlier, the southwest monsoon had advanced over parts of Rayalaseema just a day prior and the monsoon fury is unleashed with in subsequent 24 hours. The city of Kurnool, which earlier served as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, was deluged with record 143mm of rainfall in 24hr.
Kurnool, the gateway to Rayalaseema has a monthly normal rainfall of 93.6mm and surpasses this figure in less than 24hr, on 14thJune. Earlier, the riverine city on the banks of mighty Tungabhadra, had record of 84.3mm in 24hr established on 28thJune 2020. An all time high of 24hr rainfall for the city, huge 393.7mm on 23rd June 2007 seems unbeatable. A freak cyclonic storm ‘Yemyin’ had crossed Andhra Pradesh coast on 22ndJune 2007 near Kakinada and the weakened depression moved close to the city ‘Kurnool’ surrounded by parallel mountain ranges, nearly drowning the district headquarter.
Monsoon is likely to advance further over the remaining parts of Rayalaseema. Consequently, more rainfall is expected over the next 48hr for the city and surrounding areas. The city’s highest monthly rainfall record of 194.4mm since 2007, established in June 2020, is likely to be breached during this spell. Situation is expected to ease out from 19thJune onwards. However, light to moderate rains will still continue for the subsequent 48hr.
