Devastating Floods Submerge Andhra Pradesh: Relief Efforts Underway

Heavy rainfall and a land-based cyclone have caused severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh, submerging roads and homes. The government and rescue teams are providing relief, with helicopters delivering essential supplies. The floods have displaced over 600,000 people and caused significant damage. Central assistance and advanced technology are being utilized for aid.

Heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Andhra Pradesh, leading to severe flooding that has submerged roads and houses. The continuous rain, triggered by a land-based cyclone, resulted in heavy precipitation over just 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This extreme weather event was fueled by moisture from the Arabian Sea and heat from the eastern parts of the country.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with central forces and local officials, is working tirelessly to provide relief. Helicopters are being deployed to deliver essential supplies such as food and water to the affected areas. The flooding, caused by a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, has led to rising water levels at the Prakasam Barrage and inundation in several regions.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh announced the first-time use of drones to assist in relief efforts, enhancing the efficiency of aid distribution. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that protecting lives and property remains the top priority. The heavy rains have caused major damage, with 29 to 34 cm of rainfall disrupting traffic and leading to train cancellations. Areas such as Singhnagar and Nandamuri Nagar are submerged, displacing approximately 200,000 people. Naidu has requested central government assistance, resulting in the deployment of additional NDRF teams and resources. He assured residents that all possible measures are being taken for their relief and urged them to stay resilient.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, following instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions in Andhra Pradesh. Chouhan visited Vijayawada and other areas to assess the damage and plans to speak with residents and farmers. "In this hour of crisis, the central government stands fully with the people of the flood-affected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will provide all possible help to them in overcoming the crisis," Chouhan stated in a post on X. Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). "Drones are being operated to supply food and water in flood-affected areas. Yesterday, I announced a donation of 1 crore rupees to the CM Relief Fund," Kalyan said.

The floods have claimed many lives, affected animals, and displaced over 600,000 people. The central government has deployed 30 NDRF teams and helicopters for rescue operations, distributing over 230,000 food packets, 250,000 milk packets, and 500,000 water bottles. Chief Minister Naidu has urged the public to support the relief efforts, stating, "We have supplied enough food and transportation. Everything is available now."

(With inputs from agencies.)