CM Chandrababu Naidu Mobilizes State for Impending Heavy Rains and Flooding

Amid forecasts of heavy rains expected to hit the state over the next three days, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a teleconference with top officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, district collectors, and departmental ministers, to assess the situation and ensure preparedness. In response to severe weather alerts, the Chief Minister canceled his scheduled visit to Orvakallu and urged all levels of government to stay on high alert, stressing that vigilance during this period can significantly reduce hardships for the people.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh, as a well-marked low-pressure area over the Westcentral and Northwest Bay of Bengal, near the north Andhra coast, intensified into a depression on Saturday.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) issued a safety advisory on Saturday morning, urging children to stay indoors, pedestrians to avoid waterlogged areas, and two-wheeler riders to steer clear of flooded roads.

Water levels in rivers flowing through coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including the Godavari and Krishna rivers and their tributaries, are expected to rise over the next two days. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has issued similar warnings for rivers in Telangana, predicting elevated water levels in Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Suvarnamukhi, Champavathi, Gosthani, Sarada, Varaha, Sabari, Tammileru, and Yeleru rivers.

Chief Minister Naidu directed officials to install flood warning boards at swollen rivers and canals and to send alert messages to residents via mobile phones. Continuous monitoring of pond conditions will be coordinated with the Irrigation and Revenue Departments. The CM also addressed urban traffic disruptions caused by water accumulation, emphasizing the need for timely traffic diversions. He stressed the importance of preventing drinking water and food contamination, especially in light of recent food contamination cases in Alluri district, which required immediate medical attention for affected individuals.

Naidu called for a thorough investigation into the causes of food contamination and strict action against those responsible. He also emphasized the need for enhanced medical preparedness to tackle seasonal diseases, particularly in tribal areas, and strict enforcement to prevent individuals from crossing flooded streams and rivers for their safety. Interdepartmental communication, especially through WhatsApp groups, was encouraged to ensure swift assistance to citizens.

The CM advocated the use of advanced technologies, such as drones, for effective crisis management and the proactive dissemination of rainfall forecasts by the Disaster Management Department. He assured that necessary funds for managing irrigation projects would be released promptly, and employees of the Secretariat were granted flexibility in pension distribution amid the weather challenges, with adjusted timelines in affected areas.

Expressing sympathy for the victims of a recent landslide in Vijayawada, Chief Minister Naidu announced government assistance for the families who suffered losses due to the disaster.