A.P. government on high alert as heavy rains likely to continue

With several parts of Andhra Pradesh witnessing heavy to very heavy rains due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, the State government has asked the officials to remain alert and prevent the loss of life and property. 

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is on an official visit to UAE now, reviewed the situation in the State through a video conference with the senior officials and Collectors of rain-affected districts of Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Kadapa, and Tirupati, on Thursday.

Mr. Naidu asked the officials to remain vigilant and take all precautionary measures, including the evacuation of people from low-lying areas. Mr. Naidu told the officials to deploy NDRF and SDRF teams in the rain-hit regions and ensure uninterrupted coordination among departments. Health camps should be set up to check the spread of seasonal diseases, he said.

According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), the deep depression over north interior Tamil Nadu is moving northwestward and is expected to weaken. However, widespread rainfall is likely to continue across the State in the next four to five days.

Vehicles passign through a waterlogged road after rain lashed Vijayawada for almost five hours on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
K.V.S GIRI

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain advised people not to take shelter under trees during lightning and avoid dilapidated structures, adding that winds along the coast could reach speeds of 30 kmph to 50 kmph.

Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu and Home Minister  V. Anitha held a teleconference with the Collectors on Wednesday evening and reviewed the preparedness in view of heavy rains. They asked the Collectors to ensure that all departments should ensure round-the-clock presence at mandal control rooms, and to relocate residents from vulnerable zones, before danger. 

“Collectors must ensure that there is no loss of life. Low-lying areas should be evacuated early. Sandbags must be kept ready wherever bund breaches are possible,” said Ms. Anitha, adding that citizens should not attempt to cross overflowing streams or roads under any circumstances.

Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development P. Narayana conducted a teleconference with the Municipal Commissioners, instructing them to ensure smooth drainage, prevent water stagnation, and maintain sanitation.

He said that round-the-clock helplines should be set up in all municipalities.