Tragic Flooding in Eluru: Woman Drowns as Incessant Rains Cause Overflowing Stream; Another Life at Risk
An agriculture laborer drowned, and another woman is reportedly missing following a tragic incident on September 14, 2025, when they attempted to cross the swollen Kavadi Konda Vaagu stream, located on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border. The victim, identified as Chellamma, was a resident of Puchdikapadu village in Jeelugumilli mandal, Eluru district. Search efforts are underway for her companion, Varalakshmi.
According to Polavaram Deputy Superintendent of Police M. Venkateswara Rao, the two women were returning home from Aswaraopet mandal in Telangana after completing their work when the accident occurred. The rapid rise in water levels was attributed to heavy rainfall in nearby upstream mandals in Telangana, which caused about 25 small and major streams to overflow, resulting in three localities being cut off from the main access routes.
Eluru District Superintendent of Police K. Pratap Shiva Kishore confirmed that both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana police, alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are actively conducting search operations using drones in hopes of locating Varalakshmi. “Upon learning that the two women were missing, search efforts commenced immediately,” stated the SP.
In addition to the rescue operations, the region faces significant challenges due to the heavy rainfall, particularly in T. Narsapuram mandal, where numerous rivulets are overflowing. “Pickets have been strategically set up at various points to deter villagers from crossing the dangerous streams and rivulets,” DSP Venkateswara Rao added during a visit to the picket sites.
Authorities have urged local residents to heed warnings and avoid traversing the flood-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of public safety in these critical conditions. Law enforcement from Jeelugumilli, Velerupadu, and T. Narsapuram are actively monitoring the situation to prevent further tragedies.
As the search for Varalakshmi continues, the community remains vigilant in the face of these hazardous conditions, underscoring the need for caution amid the ongoing weather challenges. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by swollen waterways during heavy rainfall, prompting calls for greater awareness and preparedness among villagers.
This incident not only highlights the immediate risks faced by rural communities but also emphasizes the importance of timely interventions during extreme weather events. Authorities and locals alike are working together to mitigate risks and safeguard lives in the region.
The local government is monitoring the situation closely as more rain is forecasted in the coming days, which could exacerbate the flooding conditions. As the search operations persist, the hope remains high for the safe return of Varalakshmi and for the safety of the villagers affected by this natural calamity.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/incessant-rains-woman-drowned-one-more-missing-in-overflowing-stream-in-andhra-pradeshs-eluru-district/article70048504.ece
Category : Andhra Pradesh
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-09-14 13:40:00
