Andhra flood death toll reaches 54

The heavy downpour of the last three days that caused widespread devastation in most parts of Andhra Pradesh gave way to bright sunshine today. But the toll reached 54 with 14 more deaths.

In view of the damage caused by the unprecedented rains, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy cancelled his visit to Sriharikota to be with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas in Khammam, East Godavari and Krishna districts.

Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde sought financial assistance of Rs 1,200 crore for the relief and rehabilitation work from the Prime Minister.

Of the fresh casualties, six were reported from Mehaboobnagar district, two each from Khammam, Warangal and Guntur and one each from Krishna and Guntur districts today.