Andhra Pradesh CM Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia; Relief Operations Intensify

AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced a Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for families of victims killed in rain-related incidents. Relief operations are progressing rapidly, providing food and medical aid. Heavy rains have caused significant flooding, especially in Krishna and Guntur districts.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday declared an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the families of victims who lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state. CM Naidu noted that relief operations are moving swiftly.

'An ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased. Autopsies have been conducted on those who have passed away. We have provided food to six lakh people. Pregnant women facing difficulties will be relocated to safe areas. Rainfall has been recorded upstream since the morning,' CM Naidu told reporters. 'Relief operations are progressing rapidly. We are delivering food, though there has been some delay. The quality of the food is being tested. We are gathering public feedback through interactive voice response (IVRS) calls,' the CM added.

Earlier in the day, CM Naidu held a teleconference with various ministers, collectors, and senior officials, instructing them to ensure assistance reaches every household amid the ongoing flood-like situation. Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc across the state, particularly in Krishna and Guntur districts. The Budameru floods have submerged multiple areas, including Singhnagar and Nandamuri Nagar, forcing nearly two lakh people to take refuge on the rooftops of their homes.

In a separate statement, CM Naidu mentioned that as floodwaters have begun to recede, there is now scope for door-to-door delivery of food, water, biscuits, and milk. 'Provide 25 kg rice, 1 litre palm oil, 2 kg onions, 2 kg potatoes, and 1 kg sugar to each family. Set up mobile Rythu Bazaars to prevent black marketing and offer vegetables at reasonable prices. Considering the risk of viral fevers and mosquito-borne diseases, officials must educate the public on necessary precautions and establish medical camps in each secretariat,' CM added. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)