Heavy Rains Cause Flooding in Andhra Pradesh, CM Naidu Orders Relief Measures

Rajamahendravaram/Vijayawada: Heavy rains, caused by low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, have led to severe flooding in several districts including East and West Godavari, Krishna, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Konaseema, and Kakinada. The overflow of canals and streams has exacerbated the situation, with water levels in the Godavari River at Bhadrachalam rising, though still below the first warning level of 43 feet.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the rain and flood situation, directing district collectors to assist affected residents with rescue and relief efforts. The heavy rains have breached the Errakaluva canal, flooding areas in the Nidadavolu constituency. Tragically, Ghantasala Venkateshu, 56, lost his life while fishing in the raging Errakaluva at Yerragudem village.

Tourism, Culture, and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh, along with former MLA Burugupalli Sesha Rao, visited the bereaved family at the hospital, donating Rs 5,000 each. Local residents, highlighting the recurrent nature of such floods, urged the government to implement preventive measures.

Minister Durgesh reported that 13,000 acres of paddy crop in Nidadavolu mandal were damaged by the flooding, affecting farmland in about nine villages. Similarly, paddy fields in Buttaigudem mandal were submerged. In Eluru district, Collector K. Vetrisilvi instructed officials to remain vigilant due to the heavy rains and Godavari River floods. Along with District SP K. Pratap Siva Kishore, she visited Velerupadu mandal to inspect the Peddavaagu flood situation, where around 3,000 food packets were distributed to affected residents. Rehabilitation centers have been set up, and people in low-lying areas are advised to stay in relief camps until conditions improve. Collector Vetrisilvi also inspected road damage caused by the Peddavaagu flood in Velerupadu mandal.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, Minister Durgesh announced that the government would provide seed subsidies and Rs 6,000 in input subsidies to flood-affected farmers.