Thursday, September 22 2005 16:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: With the water levels in major rivers of Andhra Pradesh receding following respite from rains and floods, the authorities were today (Sept 22, 2005) engaged in rehabilitation and restoration works.

After three days of incessant rains that claimed 58 lives and rendered thousands of people homeless, the water levels in Godavari and Krishna rivers started receding today, official sources said.

However, the authorities are still keeping a close watch on the situation amidst fears of fresh flood threat in view of heavy rains in the upper reaches of neighbouring Maharashtra.

There was a possibility of huge inflows into Godavari and Krishna rivers if heavy downpour continued in Maharashtra.

The torrential rains, triggered by cyclonic storm that crossed the coast at Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district on Monday (Sept 19, 2005), left a trail of death and destruction in ten districts, spread over coastal Andhra and Telangana regions.

The crops over an extent of 2.75 lakh acres were damaged and over 1.50 lakh people were evacuated to safer places while a preliminary estimation of damages stood at Rs 1,809 crore.

The State Government had sought Rs 1,200 crore central assistance to tide over the situation.

With the rains abating, the railway authorities today restored the track in Warangal district, which was damaged in heavy rains.