Andhra Pradesh’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday visited the flood-struck regions of Singhnagar and reviewed the ongoing relief efforts. Accompanied by government officials, he conducted an inspection of the affected areas and directed officials to ensure the distribution of essential supplies, including food and water bottles, to those impacted by the flooding. Naidu also announced that he would remain at the Vijayawada Collectorate through Sunday and Monday to monitor the situation closely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reached out to Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday to discuss the severe impact of recent heavy rains and flooding in their states. During the conversations, PM Modi expressed his commitment to providing all necessary support from the central government to address the crisis. He specifically contacted Telangana Chief Minister Reddy to gain insight into the extent of the damage caused by the floods and the ongoing situation in the affected regions.
Damage from floods in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
The Budameru Vagu River, known as the ‘Sorrow of Vijayawada,’ has overflowed due to heavy rains, causing widespread flooding in various parts of the city. Aerial footage has revealed extensive water accumulation across Vijayawada.
Heavy rainfall on Sunday led to severe flooding in the Rama Krishna Puram area, submerging homes and vehicles. Police and NDRF teams have launched rescue and relief operations, relocating displaced residents to temporary shelters.
Earlier on Saturday, a house in Mogalrajapuram collapsed after a rock fell from a hill due to the heavy rains. This incident resulted in the death of one woman, with two others hospitalized in stable condition. The Chief Minister had also held a review meeting on Saturday, urging officials to remain vigilant and prepared in response to the ongoing weather conditions.
NDRF on duty
Officials had earlier announced that 26 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will be mobilized for flood relief and rescue efforts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Currently, 12 teams are already operating in the affected regions, with an additional 14 teams set to be deployed. Of the new teams, eight are being airlifted from different parts of the country to expedite their arrival. The NDRF teams are equipped with inflatable boats, pole and tree cutters, and essential medical supplies to support their rescue operations.
Train disruptions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Due to severe rainfall causing significant waterlogging on railway tracks in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the South Central Railway (SCR) has canceled 21 trains and diverted at least 10 others. The adverse weather conditions have led to disruptions on multiple routes. Heavy rains have damaged the railway track between Kesamudram and Mahabubabad in Telangana, further impacting train services.
The canceled trains include: 12669 MGR Chennai Central to Chhapra, 12670 Chhapra to MGR Chennai Central, 12615 MGR Chennai Central to New Delhi, and 12616 New Delhi to MGR Chennai Central. The diverted routes include 12763 Tirupati to Secunderabad, 22352 SMVT Bengaluru to Patliputra, 22674 Mannargudi to Bhagat Ki Kothi, and 20805 Vishakhapatnam to New Delhi.
Weather Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather warning for the next five days, predicting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning. Isolated areas in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning.
(With Agency inputs)