Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is set to visit flood-affected areas in the Mahabubabad district on Tuesday, marking the second day of his tour to regions hit by the recent heavy rains. According to official sources, Reddy stayed overnight in Khammam after visiting several locations in the town, accompanied by some of his cabinet colleagues.
“The CM will leave for the flood-affected areas in Mahabubabad from Khammam today and will also hold a review meeting with officials on the situation,” sources said.
At least 16 people have lost their lives in various rain-related incidents as torrential rains battered Telangana. The state government has estimated the damage at Rs 5,000 crore and has sought immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre.
Revanth Reddy, who announced an ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each to the kin of those who perished in the rain-related incidents, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the rain-hit areas and declare the floods a national calamity.
The CM held meetings with ministers and officials at Suryapet as part of his visit to rain-affected areas on Monday and later reviewed the situation with officials in Khammam. He noted that crops on lakhs of acres have been damaged, despite the government’s efforts to mitigate the loss of life and property.
An official release on Monday night detailed that over 100 relief camps have been organised, providing shelter to more than 4,000 people. Preliminary estimates indicate that the damage to roads alone amounts to Rs 2,362 crore, while crop loss over 4,15,000 acres is pegged at Rs 415 crore.
The incessant rains since last Saturday have caused widespread flooding, damaging crops and disrupting the state’s rail and road links with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. State Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, during a teleconference with officials on Monday, instructed district collectors to remain vigilant, given the forecast of heavy rains over the next 24 hours. She emphasised the need for advanced planning to prevent any further loss of life or property.
The Telangana Government released an assessment report on the damages caused by the heavy rains and floods. Based on initial estimates, the total loss is Rs 5,438 crore. The report details losses across various sectors, including roads and buildings, energy, agriculture, irrigation, and public properties. Over 110 relief camps have been set up, and more than 4,000 people have been relocated to these camps for safety.
Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, CM N Chandrababu Naidu described the recent floods in Vijayawada as the “biggest disaster” he has witnessed in his political career. Naidu, who also requested the Central government to declare the floods a national calamity, stated that at least 17 people have died due to rain-related incidents.
Naidu highlighted that despite the government’s best efforts, some flood victims in remote areas have not yet received aid. He has deployed senior officials and various modes of transportation, including helicopters and drones, to ensure food and supplies reach those in need. The Andhra Pradesh government is also conducting surveys to better serve the affected population.
(With agency inputs)