Red alert issued: Andhra Pradesh braces for heavy rainfall in three districts
PTC News Desk: Andhra Pradesh is bracing for continued heavy rainfall, with a red alert issued for three districts and an orange alert for five over the next two days. The red alert applies to Srikakulam, Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts, while Visakha, Alluri, Anakapalli, Kakinada, and Yanam are under an orange alert for heavy rainfall, according to meteorologist KVS Srinivas.
The ongoing deluge has severely impacted the state, claiming 45 lives in rain-related incidents and causing widespread damage. Though waterlogging has slightly subsided, many areas remain flooded, creating significant challenges for residents.
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha will assess the flood damage in Vijayawada, following Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s earlier statement that 1.4 lakh single-floor homes across the state have sustained serious damage. The chief minister has reached out to the central government for aid and has briefed Governor S Abdul Nazeer about the situation.
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In response to the crisis, the state government is distributing three lakh food packets, along with milk and biscuits, while five lakh kilograms of vegetables have been made available through 163 distribution centers. Additionally, 20,000 homes have been cleaned using fire engines, and 42 drones are being deployed for sanitation efforts.
Neighbouring Telangana has also been heavily affected by the flooding. In response, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a Rs 3,448 crore relief package for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to help alleviate the impact of the floods. He further noted that after evaluating crop damage, the central government would provide seeds, fertilizers, and consider waiving specific farmer loans to support recovery efforts.