What Happened in North Coastal Andhra Amid Heavy Rains?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four fatalities reported due to flooding in North Coastal Andhra.
- Chief Minister announced Rs. 4 lakh compensation for affected families.
- Ongoing assessments of crop damages and restoration of essential services.
- Residents are urged to heed evacuation warnings from authorities.
- Emergency contact numbers provided for assistance.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 3 (NationPress) Severe rainfall and flooding in northern coastal Andhra, triggered by a cyclonic storm that made landfall on the Odisha coast early Friday, has resulted in the tragic loss of four lives.
Two individuals were reported dead in Srikakulam district, with one fatality each confirmed in Visakhapatnam and Parvatipuram Manyam districts.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, after assessing the scenario on Friday, announced a compensation of Rs. 4 lakh for the families of the victims.
He held a video conference with district Collectors across northern coastal Andhra to gather updates on the situation.
Officials informed him that although the rainfall had lessened, significant river flows were still ongoing from upstream areas.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to promptly repair damaged roads and restore electricity services affected by the rains and flooding. He also urged for an evaluation of crop damages and assistance for those impacted, emphasizing a humanitarian approach to provide relief to the affected populace.
Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinakar reported to the Chief Minister that due to substantial rainfall in upstream Odisha, the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers were experiencing considerable inflows.
The inflow at Gotta Barrage was measured at 1.89 lakh cusecs, while the flood flow at Thotapalli recorded 44,000 cusecs.
In parallel, Home Minister V. Anitha convened a review meeting with Collectors from Srikakulam, Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts to address the flooding concerns in the Nagavali and Vamsadhara rivers.
She mandated that control rooms in the districts operate around the clock, and instructed Collectors to implement measures to prevent any further loss of life and to ensure that the populace does not endure any hardships.
The Home Minister emphasized the need for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local police and fire services to expedite rescue and relief operations.
She urged officials to relay warning messages to residents in low-lying areas adjacent to the Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers.
Residents receiving alerts from the Disaster Management Authority were advised to evacuate to safer locations.
For assistance, individuals can reach out to the toll-free numbers 112, 1070, or 18004250101.