In response to severe flooding caused by incessant rains in Andhra Pradesh, the Indian Navy has mobilised significant resources to support humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the state. Acting on requests from local administration, the Eastern Naval Command from Visakhapatnam has deployed a range of assets to assist in the crisis.
Four helicopters, including two Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and two Chetak helicopters, along with one Dornier aircraft, have been tasked with providing Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. To date, these aerial assets have successfully rescued 22 stranded individuals and air-dropped over 1,000 kilograms of food supplies to those in need. Additionally, 10 Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) have been dispatched to bolster the rescue operations on the ground.
In response to the evolving crisis, additional naval assets and rescue teams, equipped with necessary gear, remain on standby to provide further assistance as needed. Authorities continue to manage this significant weather event, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
The relentless rainfall has led to rivers in Andhra Pradesh swelling to dangerous levels, with the Prakasam Barrage reaching its highest-ever flood water level. The barrage is currently discharging substantial volumes of water due to the unprecedented rainfall, exacerbating the flood situation.
So far 17 deaths have been reported in the state and heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding have devastated crops across approximately 500,000 acres in Telangana and Andhra collectively based on preliminary estimates. High-level sources indicate that a detailed report on the crop losses will be sent to the central government, and the state will begin a survey to evaluate the damage starting Tuesday. Initial assessments suggest that Khammam district has experienced substantial crop losses.