Flood Crisis in Andhra Pradesh: Unprecedented Rainfall and Government Response

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with State Minister Nara Lokesh, visited flood-hit Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, noting unprecedented rainfall and significant crop damage affecting 2 lakh farmers. Relief efforts, including drone deliveries and sanitation work, are underway.

As flood wreaks havoc in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and State Minister Nara Lokesh met with locals in Vijayawada to assess the damage. Subsequently, Union Minister Chouhan and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a press conference, describing the situation as unprecedented with significant crop damage, impacting 2 lakh farmers.

'The situation in Vijayawada is unprecedented. The area received 400mm of rainfall in a short time, such an event has never occurred before. I thank CM Chandrababu Naidu and his team for their 24/7 efforts. The Central government is providing all necessary aid to the state. Fortunately, the loss of human lives has been minimal. NDRF teams, MPs, MLAs, and ministers are actively involved in relief efforts,' he stated. 'Food packets, milk, and water are being delivered to stranded residents using drones. Sanitation work is ongoing at a rapid pace. Animal husbandry teams are continuously operational. Home Minister Amit Shah has dispatched a team to examine how water discharge from the 70-year-old Prakasam Barrage can be increased. The crop damage has been substantial, affecting 2 lakh farmers. Assessment of the damage has started,' Chouhan added.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who oversaw the situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that protecting lives and property is the top priority. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced on Wednesday that drones are being utilized for food and water delivery in flooded regions. He also donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF).

'Drones are being used to supply food and water in flood-affected areas. Recently, I announced a donation of Rs 1 crore to the CM Relief Fund,' Kalyan said. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)