Floods ravage AP: Government intensifies rescue operations

Andhra Pradesh: In response to severe flooding caused by heavy rains over the past two days, 13,227 residents from 294 villages across Andhra Pradesh have been evacuated to rehabilitation centers. The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, has mobilized extensive relief operations to address the crisis.

Mass evacuations and massive relief efforts

The State Home and Disaster Management Minister, Vangalapudi Anita, provided an update on the situation following a review at the State Emergency Operation Center in Tadepalli on Sunday. She announced that 100 rehabilitation centers have been established across the worst-hit districts, including NTR, Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, and Palnadu. To provide medical assistance, 61 camps have been set up in these regions.

Casualties and rescue operations

So far, nine fatalities have been confirmed due to the floods. The police, along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, have rescued 600 individuals from inundated areas. A total of 17 teams—comprising nine SDRF and eight NDRF units—are actively conducting relief operations in 22 flood-affected areas across seven districts. The government has also prepared five boats and one helicopter to manage emergency rescues.

Leadership and coordination

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has been closely monitoring the situation and has directed ministers to coordinate with local authorities to ensure effective relief measures. The coordination among various government departments, including Revenue, Police, Irrigation, Panchayat Raj, Municipal, Medical, and Electricity, has been crucial in mitigating the loss of life and property.

Impact on agriculture

Preliminary assessments indicate that the floods have submerged 62,644 hectares of paddy crops and 7,218 hectares of horticultural crops across 14 districts. The full extent of the damage will be evaluated once the waters recede.

Transportation disruptions and public safety

Floodwaters have also affected transportation, with the Tamil Nadu Express being halted at Rayanapadu railway station. The government has arranged alternative transportation for passengers through RTC buses, ensuring food and water supplies for those affected. Minister Anita urged residents in flood-prone areas to heed government warnings and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety.

Ongoing monitoring and public support

Command control rooms and toll-free numbers have been set up across all districts, with nodal officers continuously reviewing the situation and implementing relief efforts. Public cooperation is essential as the state navigates this emergency.

Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) G Jayalakshmi, CCLA Commissioner Srikesh Balaji, and Disaster Management MD Ronanki Kurmanath were also present during the review meeting.