VIJAYAWADA: Relief Operations Intensify Amid Ongoing Flood Crisis
On Monday, relief efforts in Vijayawada, affected by severe flooding, gained momentum with the deployment of additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams tasked with distributing relief supplies. Rescue operations across flood-hit areas have accelerated, though concerns have grown with rising inflows into the Prakasam Barrage, heightening fears among residents living near the Krishna River.
The death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 19, up from 15, with three additional fatalities reported in Guntur district and one in Vijayawada. Three individuals remain missing. Flood threats have extended to areas previously less affected, including Krishna Lanka, Bhupesh Nagar, and Yanamalakuduru, as the Prakasam Barrage experiences record inflows.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who personally oversaw the rescue operations, described the current deluge as unprecedented in his 40-year political career. He announced that the State government plans to request the Central government to declare the floods a national calamity. Naidu emphasized the severe human suffering, extensive property damage, and significant crop losses, and indicated that the State would seek substantial federal assistance to manage the crisis and recover.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, police, and revenue staff are actively involved in the rescue and relief operations. A total of 19 NDRF and 18 SDRF teams have been deployed across Vijayawada, Guntur, and other affected areas. Krishna District Collector DK Balaji has coordinated with local fishermen to utilize their boats for rescue efforts, with assurances of compensation for any damages.
In addition to boats, helicopters and drones have been used to deliver food and water to stranded residents. The crisis has affected approximately 448,007 people across the State, with 46,751 individuals relocated to 188 relief camps. Medical camps have also been established, with a total of 188 set up to provide aid.
Evacuation efforts include the deployment of 224 boats (143 motorized and 81 non-motorized) to assist residents from inundated areas such as Ajit Singh Nagar, YSR Colony, Jakkampudi Colony, and Ambapuram. The APSRTC has mobilized 159 buses to transport stranded passengers from railway stations to relief centers.
Several islands in the Krishna River, particularly in the Avanigadda Assembly constituency, face imminent submersion risks. Authorities are working to relocate over 20,000 people from island villages in Guntur, Bapatla, and Palnadu districts to rehabilitation centers.
Governor S. Abdul Nazeer has urged residents to stay in safe locations and avoid unnecessary travel. He has also called on the Red Cross, Scouts and Guides, and NGOs to collaborate with government agencies in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.