The city of destiny, Visakhapatnam has been finding its destiny ravaged by the fury of the Rain God.

Continuous rains since Sunday evening have left most areas in the district waterlogged.

The runway at the airport is under water as well, and with the Cyclone Warning Centre advising fishermen against venturing into the sea, it was a forced holiday for everyone along the Andhra coast.

"In the last 12 hours, an average of 120-140 mm of rainfall has been recorded," said Praveen Prakash, Collector, Visakhapatnam.

Mounting problems

The Godavari river has been overflowing, and the government has mobilised more manpower in the districts through which the river flows.

The temple town of Bhadrachalam is already inundated.

"The flood situation in Godavari districts and Khammam are on full alert. Control rooms are now operational," said Y S R Reddy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

Mixed blessings

Rains in Andhra Pradesh have brought misery for many and cheer for some.

While the paddy farmers are worried that much of their acreage is under water, the unseasonal rains have also solved the drinking water crisis in the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.

Meanwhile, over 10,000 people have already been evacuated, and the Met Department has said there will be more rain in the next 24 hours.