Heavy Rains Cause Severe Flooding in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh, submerging roads and houses. The continuous rain, triggered by a land-based cyclone, resulted in heavy precipitation over just 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This extreme weather was fuelled by moisture from the Arabian Sea and heat from the eastern parts of the country.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with central forces and local officials, is working to provide relief. Helicopters are being used to deliver essential supplies such as food and water to the affected areas. The flooding, caused by a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, has led to rising water levels at the Prakasam Barrage and inundation in several regions.

Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh had previously announced the use of drones for the first time to assist in relief efforts, which has improved the efficiency of aid distribution. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who reviewed the situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, also added that protecting lives and property is a top priority.

The heavy rains have resulted in major damage, with 29 to 34 cm of rainfall causing traffic disruptions and train cancellations. Areas such as Singhnagar and Nandamuri Nagar are submerged, displacing approximately 200,000 people. Naidu has requested central government assistance, leading to the deployment of additional NDRF teams and resources. He also assured residents that all possible measures are being taken for their relief and urged them to stay resilient.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, following instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Chouhan visited Vijayawada and other regions and plans to speak with residents and farmers to assess the damage. “In this hour of crisis, the central government stands fully with the people of the flood-affected areas of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and will provide all possible help to them in overcoming the crisis,” Chouhan said in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF). “Drones are being operated to supply food and water in flood-affected areas. Yesterday, I announced a donation of 1 crore rupees to the CM Relief Fund,” Kalyan said.

The floods have claimed many lives, affected animals, and displaced over 600,000 people. The central government has deployed 30 NDRF teams and helicopters for rescue operations, distributing over 230,000 food packets, 250,000 milk packets, and 500,000 water bottles. Chief Minister Naidu has urged the public to support the relief efforts, and said, “We have supplied enough food and transportation. Everything is available now.”