Firecracker stalls look empty while the area was stagnant with rainwater at the VRC Grounds in Nellore on Monday. | Photo credit: HANDOUT
Incessant rains across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) since Sunday have dampened the festive mood of the youth and middle-class children who eagerly await the burning firecrackers during Deepavali. Last-minute shoppers were disappointed, while those who had already bought firecrackers from wholesalers had to stay indoors due to the festive downpour.
Similarly, sellers of firecrackers, diyas, flowers and decorative items in Prakasam, SPSR Nellore and Tirupati districts reportedly faced heavy losses in recent days. Retailers and roadside vendors claimed that the unexpected rainfall has caused a heavy financial burden.
Markets, which are usually bustling, were largely deserted on Monday and firecracker stalls saw hardly any customers. Madan, a retailer at VRC Grounds in Nellore, said, “Apart from the stock investment, we spent about ₹40,000 to ₹50,000 to set up the stall, but we didn’t make any sales.”
Santhamma, a flower seller on Kurnool Road in Ongole, added, “I took a loan of ₹ 25,000 at a high interest rate in the hope of good sales this festive season. Despite constant drizzle, I could not sell even a quarter of my basket. Now I am worried as the flowers will wither and fall apart in a day or two.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Met Center in Amaravati, SCAP districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 35-45 kmph with a maximum speed of 55 kmph on Wednesday and Thursday.
In view of the forecast, five mandals in the coastal area of Prakasam district were put on alert by Collector P. Rajababu, who advised fishermen not to venture out to sea. Preventive measures include identifying sites for rehabilitation centers and ensuring that people are moved to safer areas in the event of an emergency.
Nellore District Collector Himanshu Shukla also held a video conference with officials to discuss preparations for heavy rains.
Published – 21 Oct 2025 21:16 IST
