South Africa tour of India 2019
Heavy Rains and Floods Claim 35 Lives in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; Over 47,000 Evacuated
At least 35 people have lost their lives in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana due to heavy rains and flooding, leading to widespread devastation. With over 47,000 residents evacuated to relief camps in both states, the situation remains dire.
In Andhra Pradesh, 19 people were reported dead in various rain-related incidents, while Telangana witnessed 16 fatalities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a reduction in rainfall intensity in both states, as the depression over East Vidarbha and Telangana is expected to move northwestwards, weakening into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. However, a yellow warning for rainfall has been issued for 10 districts in Telangana on Tuesday, including Adilabad, Mancherial, Khammam, and others.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu described the floods, particularly in Vijayawada, as the "biggest disaster" he has witnessed in the state. Currently stationed at the collectorate in NTR district, Naidu announced plans to request the Centre to classify the floods as a natural calamity. The state has deployed 47 rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), to aid in relief operations. On Monday alone, over 3.5 lakh food packets were distributed to those affected.
The Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada recorded its highest floodwater discharge on Monday, with 11.43 lakh cusecs of water, leading to significant flooding in areas such as Bhavanipuram road, Swathi theatre, and Vambay colony. Although waterlogging has been reported in multiple locations, including Ajit Singh Nagar, floodwaters are gradually receding.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has echoed Naidu's appeal to declare the floods a national calamity, citing damages exceeding Rs 5,000 crore. Reddy has requested immediate relief assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre and announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to both Chief Ministers and assured them of all possible assistance from the Centre to manage the crisis.
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