Heavy rains likely to lash Andhra Pradesh in next 48 hours: IMD

While Kerala continues to reel under torrential rains and flood fury, the Indian Meteorological Department on Saturday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for Andhra Pradesh for the next two days under the influence of low pressure. 

According to IMD, neighbouring state Telangana is likely to receive moderate rainfall in isolated places. 

"Under the influence of low pressure heavy to very heavy rainfall are expected in Andhra Pradesh in next 2 days, however moderate rainfall is likely to occur at isolated places in Telangana. We have also issued a warning to fishermen not to venture into the sea," Raja Rao from the MeT department stated. 

According to reports, the influence of upper cyclonic circulation currently hovers over south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh coasts while low pressure is very likely to form over northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours. 

Meanwhile, the death toll in flood-hit Kerala has risen to 37. After being pounded by rains for the past few days, there was a brief let-up in the downpour today in Kerala, but the government remained on high alert with more rains forecast.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan undertook an aerial survey of rain-ravaged areas of Idukki and Wayanad today.

Though there was a respite from rains across the state today, especially in catchment areas of Idukki dam, the Indian Meteorological Department issued a 'Red alert', asking people to be cautious as there was a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places in Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, Ernakulam, Palakkad and Malappuram.

(With inputs from agencies)