 |
|
The state of Andhra Pradesh in India has been ravaged by severe flooding caused by torrential rainfall, leaving roads submerged, houses inundated, and communities displaced. This devastating event, attributed to a land-based cyclone and heavy precipitation driven by moisture from the Arabian Sea and heat from the eastern regions of the country, has triggered widespread disruption and hardship. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported intense rainfall within a 24-hour period, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.
In the face of this crisis, relief efforts are being mobilized with urgency, involving the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), central forces, and local authorities working in unison. Helicopters are being deployed to deliver essential supplies, such as food and water, to the affected areas. The flooding, stemming from a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, has caused water levels to rise at the Prakasam Barrage, further exacerbating the situation and inundating numerous regions. Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh has showcased the innovative use of drones in supporting relief efforts, enhancing the efficiency of aid distribution and reaching remote areas more effectively.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has personally visited the flood-affected areas, assessing the situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority and emphasizing the top priority of safeguarding lives and property. Recognizing the gravity of the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas. During his visit to Vijayawada and other regions, Chouhan engaged with residents and farmers to evaluate the damage, assuring the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana that the central government will provide all possible help in overcoming the crisis.
The heavy rains have caused substantial damage, with rainfall ranging from 29 to 34 cm disrupting traffic, leading to train cancellations, and causing widespread disruption to daily life. Areas like Singhnagar and Nandamuri Nagar have been submerged, forcing an estimated 200,000 people to evacuate their homes. Naidu has sought assistance from the central government, resulting in the deployment of additional NDRF teams and resources to support the relief operations. He has assured residents that all possible measures are being implemented for their relief and encouraged them to remain resilient in the face of this adversity.
The Indian Army has also responded to the crisis, reporting a breach in the Budameru canal near Vijayawada following heavy rains. In response to a request from the state government, the Indian Army's Flood Relief and Engineer Task Forces were airlifted from Hakimpet, Hyderabad to Vijayawada using Indian Air Force aircrafts. This swift deployment highlights the collaborative efforts of various agencies working together to mitigate the impact of the floods and provide vital assistance to those affected.
The situation in Vijayawada is described as unprecedented, with 400mm of rainfall in a short period, a phenomenon never seen before. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has lauded Chief Minister Naidu and his team for their tireless work in responding to the crisis, operating 24/7 to provide assistance. The central government's commitment to supporting Andhra Pradesh during this difficult time is evident in the various actions taken, including the deployment of NDRF teams, the provision of food packets, milk, and water to stranded individuals using drones, and the initiation of sanitation work on a war footing.
Animal husbandry teams are working continuously to address the needs of livestock affected by the floods, while Home Minister Amit Shah has dispatched a team to assess how water discharge can be increased from the 70-year-old Prakasam Barrage. The floods have also caused significant crop damage, impacting approximately 2 lakh farmers. Assessments are underway to determine the extent of the damage and to provide support to the affected farmers.
The devastating floods in Andhra Pradesh highlight the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. The combined efforts of the state government, central government agencies, and the Indian Army are crucial in providing immediate relief, ensuring the safety of affected individuals, and supporting the recovery process. This event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, efficient coordination, and community resilience in facing the challenges posed by climate change and its associated risks.
Source: Severe flooding devastates Andhra Pradesh, relief efforts in full swing