By Our Special Correspondent
Andhra Pradesh faced a precarious situation as lakhs of people were evacuated by the struggling administration in the wake of severe floods and heavy rains, especially in Godavari districts and north coastal Andhra.
Unprecedented inflows in the Godavari are wreaking havoc along its course and the fury of several other rivers added to the woes of the people on Tuesday.
The rains and floods that started in the last two days have inundated hundreds of villages and reports of severe damage to property and crops are being observed. Towns big and small are also facing the fury of despair as people become helpless as to where the situation is. As the district administration gradually brought the reality to the notice, there is no supply of milk and drinking water anywhere.
All means of transport have come to a standstill and roads everywhere have become nightmares. Relief and rehabilitation have become the government's biggest challenge as Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy constantly monitors the floods and directs officials to immerse themselves in relief and rehabilitation. Avoiding casualties is also a priority and safe shelters for displaced populations.
Damage to agriculture and aquaculture is feared to be high this season as floods and rains are a bit earlier and not good for agricultural activities. Livestock safety is another big question as people cannot leave their homes and take their precious animals with them in case of emergency.
A second emergency alert was issued after more than 13 lakh cusecs reached the downstream of Douleshwaram barrage from Telangana and Maharashtra. The third warning is also imminent as the flood was inundating the Konaseema region earlier.
Konaseema Collector Himanshu Shukla said that out of 22 mandals, 18 mandals have faced severe danger and 42-member SDRF teams have been deployed in the district along with boats.
According to the officials, ONGC has rescued 17 fishermen who were stuck in boats on the coast of Allavaram mandal port and brought them to safety. 14 villages in Ramachandrapuram mandal, 37 villages in Amalapuram mandal faced severe distress and more than 1.55 lakh people were affected and only 1,015 people were rescued.
He said that 15 pregnant women were identified and shifted to rehabilitation centers. There are more than 400 boats under the administration. Heavy inflows are coming to Totapalli, Vengalaraya Sagar, Vattigedda and Tatipudi reservoirs in Vizianagaram and Parvathipuram districts, and the overflowing reservoirs are directly threatening the livelihood of the people.
The district has recorded heavy rainfall in June. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs.2 thousand and Rs.1000 each as temporary assistance to the affected family.
Comentarios