Mon Dec 02 01:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Visakhapatnam Farmers Breathe Sigh of Relief as Cyclone Threat Recedes, but Remain Vigilant
**Visakhapatnam, December 2, 2024** – While the immediate threat of a cyclone has passed Visakhapatnam district, farmers are being urged to remain alert as scattered rainfall is predicted until December 7th. Authorities and agricultural officials have confirmed that the cyclone, which made landfall Saturday night, weakened into a deep depression.
Although moderate rainfall was reported Saturday night and Sunday, causing some waterlogging in low-lying areas, there were no reports of significant damage to standing paddy crops, according to the Agriculture Department. Farmers expressed relief at the lack of heavy rainfall.
However, some paddy crops, already harvested but not yet stacked in several mandals including Madugula, Makavarapalem, and S. Rayavaram, were affected by the rain. Farmers are working to remove water from their fields and relocate the harvested paddy to higher ground. Strong winds also caused some paddy crops to fall over in several areas.
District Agriculture Officer B. Mohan Rao advised farmers whose crops fell to tie several stalks together to prevent further damage. He reassured farmers that the light showers expected on Monday would not significantly harm the standing crops. The department is continually advising farmers on weather conditions through the Mandal-level agricultural officers.
Mohan Rao also suggested that farmers spray a solution of 50 grams of slaked lime per liter of water, or sprinkle salt, on affected paddy to prevent spoilage. He also suggested moving waterlogged crops to higher ground.
Meanwhile, due to the cyclone warnings, fishermen in several mandals refrained from venturing into the sea on Sunday.
Rainfall varied across the district, with Rambilli mandal recording the highest precipitation at 37.4 millimeters between Saturday morning and Sunday morning. Other mandals also reported significant rainfall.
First Piper 