Cyclone Jal claims five lives in Andhra Pradesh

The cyclonic storm, Jal, heading towards Andhra Pradesh claimed five lives in different districts today, officials said.

Of the five deaths, three were from Nellore district, officials in the disaster management department told Press Trust of India.

The cyclonic storm, Jal, which was earlier declared as a "very severe cyclone" has, however, lost its intensity, they said.

The cyclone lay centred about 282 kms from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh and was likely to hit the land Sunday night.

The wind speed would be about 70-80 kmph.

Under the influence of the cyclone, heavy rains were likely to occur in the areas along the coast which could damage hutments and small trees, the officials said.

The state government has evacuated about 6,000 people and was running 30 relief camps in seven coastal districts, they added.

Earlier in the day, state revenue minister D Prasada Rao said evacuation of people to the relief camps had started and that people should not resist being evacuated.