Severe Weather Hits South Odisha and Andhra Pradesh: Floods and Widespread Rain

A depression over South Odisha and adjoining regions is prompting widespread rain and flooding across Andhra Pradesh and Vijayawada. Heavy rainfall has led to flooding, rescue operations, and precautionary measures, including red alerts and school closures.

A depression over South Odisha and neighboring areas is expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure zone, causing extensive rain across Andhra Pradesh, an official stated on Sunday. According to Srinuvas, an IMD official in Visakhapatnam, the depression is over South Odisha and adjoining South Chhattisgarh and north Andhra Pradesh. It is anticipated to move west-northwest and gradually weaken. This system is likely to bring widespread rain to coastal Andhra Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

'We have issued a red alert in several districts,' the IMD official added. In the meantime, the Budameru Vagu river in Vijayawada has swollen due to heavy rains, resulting in a flood-like situation in various areas of the city.

Aerial visuals from Vijayawada depict several city areas inundated with rainwater. On Sunday, the Rama Krishna Puram area experienced severe flooding, submerging houses and vehicles. Police and NDRF teams initiated rescue operations, moving affected residents to rehabilitation centers. The IMD has also issued a weather warning for the next five days, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning for Sunday.

Over the subsequent four days, isolated areas in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are likely to face thunderstorms with lightning. On Saturday, a rockfall caused the collapse of a house in Mogalrajapuram, killing one woman and hospitalizing two others, whose conditions are stable. The incident occurred amid heavy rainfall, as reported by officials.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting, directing officials to stay alert in rain-affected areas. He emphasized school closures in heavily affected regions, the installation of warning signs near overflowing streams and rivers, and the dissemination of alert messages via mobile phones. Naidu warned of potential hazards such as falling trees and power lines due to severe weather. Parts of Vijayawada and Warangal in Telangana faced waterlogging issues on Saturday due to continuous rain.

(With inputs from agencies.)