More Than 180 People Rescued in Naval Flood Operations In Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: The relief and rescue operations in flood-affected areas of Andhra Pradesh continued on Friday under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command as the Naval helicopters undertook extensive flying operations such as airdropping food packets, medical kits and water bottles to stranded individuals.

Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) are actively evacuating people to safety and distributing food to affected households. As many as 180 people were evacuated on Friday. 

Heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in Andhra Pradesh, submerging roads and houses. This persistent downpour, triggered by a land-based cyclone, resulted in substantial precipitation over just 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The extreme weather conditions were exacerbated by moisture from the Arabian Sea and heat from the eastern regions of the country. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), alongside central forces and local officials, is actively engaged in providing relief. The flooding, caused by a cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, has led to rising water levels at the Prakasam Barrage and inundation in several areas.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and State Minister Nara Lokesh earlier visited Vijayawada to assess the situation. Following their visit, Chouhan and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a press conference, describing the situation in Vijayawada as unprecedented. They noted significant crop damage and the impact on approximately 200,000 farmers.

Chouhan remarked, "The situation in Vijayawada is unprecedented. The area received 400mm of rainfall in a very short period, an event never seen before. I appreciate CM Chandrababu Naidu and his team for their round-the-clock efforts. The Central government is fully supporting the state. Fortunately, the loss of human lives has been minimal. NDRF teams, along with MPs, MLAs, and ministers, are all working diligently here."

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu , who reviewed the situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, emphasized that protecting lives and property is a top priority. Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan announced on Wednesday that drones are being utilized to deliver food and water to affected areas and also donated Rs 1 crore to the Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF).