TIRUMALA/CHITTOOR: The impact of cyclone Nivar was felt on the hill town of Tirumala at Tirupati in Chittoor district , with heavy rains pouring since Wednesday.

Devotees near the Vaikuntham Queue complex and exit gates were seen drenched as rains poured non-stop causing inconvenience. The low lying areas were flooded due to the heavy rains which started since Tuesday. All the water bodies surrounding the temple areas were brimming with water. Devotees taking the ghat roads to reach Tirumala from Alipiri were asked to drive with caution by the temple authorities.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday offered prayers to Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. The President, accompanied by his family members, was accorded a ceremonial traditional reception, upon his arrival by the priests along with TTD Board Chairman YV Subba Reddy and Executive Officer K S Jawahar Reddy. Andhra Pradesh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan accompanied the President during his visit to the temple.

Earlier the Governor and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and others accorded a warm reception to the President and the First Lady as they landed in the Tirupati airport at Renigunta from Chennai.

Meanwhile the Chittoor district administration has geared up to face the possible impact of cyclone Nivar, with the meteorological department predicting heavy rains and gales from Tuesday night. Officials say the impact could be felt more in the eastern mandals of Varadaiahpalem, Satyavedu, Srikalahasti, Puttur and Nagari that are close to the Bay of Bengal. The revenue, police, and fire department staff have been put on alert, with focus on areas prone to water-logging.