Andhra Pradesh Battles Flood Destruction: Estimation of Damages Begin

Andhra Pradesh's Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced the commencement of flood damage estimation in Vijayawada. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reported significant property damage and sought Rs 6,880 crore in relief from the Centre. Relief efforts continue, with food distribution and sanitation measures in place as the city grapples with flooding aftermath.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced on Sunday that the procedure to estimate flood losses in Vijayawada will start from Monday. Speaking at a press conference at the NTR district collectorate, Anitha said flood relief work continues into its eighth day.

'From tomorrow (Monday), the procedure to start estimating flood losses will begin,' she confirmed.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu revealed that a relief report amounting to Rs 6,880 crore has been sent to the Centre. External enumerators, trained over the weekend, will assist in the damage assessment process. Notably, the floods have severely affected single-floor residences in the area.

The number of fatalities due to the floods has risen to 45, official reports stated. Mohammed Ilyas, a resident from one of the hardest-hit areas, reported continuous rainfall worsening the city's flooding problems despite attempts to plug breaches.

Anitha detailed ongoing relief efforts, including the distribution of three lakh food packets, milk, and biscuits, as well as the sale of five lakh kg of regulated-price vegetables through numerous stores. Sanitation work, involving fire engines and drones, is also underway. Chief Minister Naidu met with Governor S Abdul Nazeer to brief him on the flood situation and its impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)