Heavy rainfall is forecasted to persist in Andhra Pradesh, prompting a red alert for three districts and an orange alert for five others over the next two days.
Meteorologist KVS Srinivas announced that Srikakulam, Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts are under a red alert for very heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Visakha, Alluri, Anakapalli, Kakinada, and Yanam, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall in these areas.
Ongoing Impact and Response Efforts
The state has already experienced significant flooding, which has damaged property and resulted in 45 fatalities. Although waterlogging has lessened, severe flooding continues to pose challenges across the region.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha will start assessing flood damage in Vijayawada today. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reported that 140,000 single-floor homes have suffered extensive damage due to the floods. The chief minister has requested central government assistance and informed Governor S Abdul Nazeer of the ongoing situation.
In response, 300,000 food packets, along with milk and biscuits, are set to be distributed. Additionally, 5 lakh kg of vegetables have been sold through 163 stores. Efforts to clean 20,000 houses using fire engines are underway, and 42 drones are assisting in sanitation operations.
Support from the Central Government
The neighboring state of Telangana has also been severely affected by the floods. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the central government will provide immediate aid of ₹3,448 crore to both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This assistance aims to support flood relief efforts and mitigate the impacts on the affected communities.
The central government will also assess crop damage and consider providing seeds, fertilizers, and loan waivers for farmers as part of the recovery process.
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