Tragic Andhra Rains: 9 Lives Lost, Thousands Displaced as IMD Flags 5-Day Severe Alert; Depression Devastates Coastal Regions
Exceptionally heavy rainfall continued to batter coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for the second consecutive day, as reported on Sunday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for the next five days due to cyclonic depression Asna, which is predicted to move West-Northwest away from the Indian coast within 24 hours. The relentless downpour has claimed nine lives and led to the evacuation of 13,227 individuals from 294 villages across five districts in Andhra Pradesh.
According to the IMD, the depression currently positioned over south Odisha and adjacent north Andhra Pradesh, about 90 km north-northwest of Visakhapatnam, is expected to weaken gradually. Despite this, widespread rainfall is predicted in coastal Andhra Pradesh over the next 24 hours, prompting a red alert for parts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, and Nandyala districts. Light showers are anticipated in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Konaseema, East and West Godavari districts, and the Rayalaseema region.
The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has issued a first-level warning for low-lying areas around Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, due to the rising Krishna river. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the situation, advising officials to utilize drones for damage assessment and to strategize relief efforts accordingly.
State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reported that 600 people were rescued from flooded areas by Police, NDRF, and SDRF teams. Additionally, 100 rehabilitation centers and 61 medical camps have been set up in districts such as NTR, Krishna, Bapatla, Guntur, and Palnadu. Vijayawada Municipal Commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra confirmed significant breaches along the Budameru canal, with 12 wards submerged and approximately 3,000 people evacuated.
In conclusion, the impact of the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding has been substantial, necessitating ongoing emergency measures and extensive relief efforts.
Original Story https://www.livemint.com/news/india/andhra-rains-9-dead-thousands-evacuated-imd-5-day-weather-alert-depression-n-chandrababu-naidu-11725194403474.html
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