Andhra floods impact 10 lakh, damage crops on 5 lakh acres.
Vijayawada, one of Andhra Pradesh’s major cities, has been severely impacted by recent floods. The Budameru Rivulet overflowed, inundating several residential areas and causing widespread damage. Many homes were submerged, forcing residents to evacuate or seek shelter on higher ground. The floodwaters have disrupted daily life, damaging infrastructure and cutting off access to essential services in affected neighborhoods. Local authorities are working tirelessly to provide relief and rescue operations, but the situation remains critical as the water levels show no signs of receding quickly. The city continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the floods.
The recent Andhra floods have had a devastating impact on the southern coastal region of Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rains and subsequent floods have affected over 10 lakh people, destroyed crops across more than 5 lakh acres, and damaged a staggering 4,222 kilometers of roads. The floods have also tragically claimed 45 lives, with Vijayawada and surrounding districts bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Vijayawada, one of the major cities in Andhra Pradesh, experienced severe flooding as the Budameru Rivulet overflowed, inundating numerous residential areas. Eight to ten feet of water submerged houses, shops, business establishments, and offices, wreaking havoc across 32 wards and five villages in Vijayawada. Jayam Ravi and wife Aarti announce separation, but this crisis overshadowed such personal news, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The unprecedented rainfall began on August 31 and continued for two days, resulting in excessive rainfall ranging from 607% to 1,010% in the affected districts. The floodwaters reached a record flow of 11.43 lakh cusecs on September 2 at the Prakasam Barrage, the highest since its construction in 1957. This extreme flooding has severely affected upstream Ibrahimpatnam and Kanchikacherla, as well as downstream Lanka villages in Krishna and Bapatla districts.
In response to the Andhra floods, the state government has submitted an interim report to the Centre detailing the extensive damages and requesting Rs 6,880 crore for rehabilitation and restoration efforts. The proposed works include reviewing flood flow in the Krishna River, strengthening embankments, and constructing an additional anicut upstream of the Prakasam Barrage. This significant funding is necessary to address the extensive damage caused by the floods.
The floods have also severely impacted agriculture, with over 5.02 lakh acres of crops destroyed, affecting approximately 2.37 lakh farmers. Additionally, 473 animals (116 large and 357 small) and 71,639 poultry birds were killed. The floods damaged 377 boats completely and partially affected 226 boats, while 1,939 fishing nets were fully damaged, with 70 partially damaged. The natural calamity has also inflicted substantial damage on infrastructure, including roads with a total length of 4,222 kilometers. This includes 3,869 kilometers of Roads and Buildings Department roads, 353 kilometers of Panchayat Raj roads, and 558 kilometers of municipal roads.
The state government’s report to the Centre outlines the need for Rs 2,164 crore for road repairs, Rs 1,568 crore for water resources, and Rs 1,160 crore for municipal administration. Additionally, Rs 301 crore and Rs 39.95 crore have been requested for agriculture and horticulture input subsidies, respectively. Furthermore, 143 minor irrigation tanks, eight medium tanks, and 254 major irrigation tanks have been damaged by the floods.
In response to the Andhra floods, the government has launched a large-scale relief effort, distributing ration kits to affected families in seven districts. A total of 1,200 vehicles have been mobilized to distribute these kits through the Public Distribution System. Each kit includes 25 kg of rice, 1 kg of Red Gram dal, 1 liter of palm oil, 2 kg of onions, 2 kg of potatoes, and 1 kg of sugar. Families of weavers and fishermen are receiving 50 kg of rice. The distribution process has identified 2,77,028 families in need, with approximately half having received the ration kits so far.
The floods have left behind a trail of mud and debris, prompting a massive cleanup operation by municipal authorities. The government is conducting door-to-door surveys in Vijayawada and other affected areas to assess the full extent of the damage. With many families having lost nearly all their household items, the Chief Minister has directed officials to enlist technicians and mechanics to repair damaged vehicles and electronic devices. The government is facilitating the recruitment of these professionals from other regions by offering honorariums.
In summary, the Andhra floods have caused unprecedented damage across southern coastal Andhra Pradesh. The extensive destruction of crops, roads, and infrastructure, along with the loss of lives, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive relief and rehabilitation efforts. The state government’s proactive measures and relief initiatives are crucial in addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the affected populations.