Vijayawada and Guntur Paralyzed: Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Devastating Floods

Unprecedented rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Vijayawada and Guntur, paralyzed life and caused significant destruction. Extensive flooding, especially in urban areas, led to the evacuation of 17,000 people. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu highlighted the damage and ongoing relief efforts, including food distribution and flood management measures to prevent future disasters.

Unprecedented rainfall over the past two days has paralyzed life in several parts of Andhra Pradesh, notably in Vijayawada and its vicinity, forcing the evacuation of 17,000 rain-affected residents statewide.

On Sunday, Budameru rivulet, near Vijayawada, breached and overflowed at multiple points, leading to severe flooding in various city localities such as Ajit Singh Nagar, Swathi Theatre area, and Police Nagar area.

Vernacular news footage revealed numerous submerged cars and vehicles across these areas. Residents in Rajarajeswari Peta were captured wading through chest-deep water.

At a press conference by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority in Tadepalli, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reported massive rainfall levels.

"Vijayawada and Guntur cities have been completely marooned. Key highways, Vijayawada-Guntur at Kaza and Vijayawada-Hyderabad at Jaggaiahpeta, are entirely submerged," Naidu stated.

Jaggaiahpeta received 26 cm of rain in 24 hours, with 14 mandals reporting over 20 cm. In total, 94 locations in 14 districts received rainfall ranging from 7 to 12 cm. There have been nine recorded rain-related deaths and one individual is missing.

Focusing on Budameru's flood issues, Naidu explained that water from upper reaches in Khammam and Nalgonda was overwhelming the rivulet leading to downstream flooding in Vijayawada.

Weak bunds exacerbated the situation, stalling power generation at VTPS power station near Vijayawada. An unmaintained water channel aimed at diverting water from Budameru to Kolleru Lake further compounded the issue.

Naidu highlighted ongoing reinforcements to Prakasam Barrage and other flood management measures. He mentioned that 17,000 rain-affected people were accommodated in 107 relief camps, with extensive damage to agricultural and horticultural fields totaling over 1.1 lakh hectares.

Relief measures also include food distribution to the displaced, with special provisions for weavers and fishermen losing their means of livelihood due to the floods.

He assured a future mechanism to manage 10 lakh cusecs of floodwater inflow into Prakasam Barrage effectively.

Later, Naidu toured the flooded Ajit Singh Nagar area by boat accompanied by officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)