Red alert for three Andhra districts as heavy rain raises flood threat

Visakhapatnam: Heavy rainfall under the impact of a cyclonic storm that crossed the Odisha coast early on Friday triggered flooding in the Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers in north coastal Andhra Pradesh, inundating low-lying areas.

According to the Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, the cyclonic storm, which crossed the coast near Gopalpur in Odisha, is likely to move north-northwestwards across interior Odisha and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure system over the next 12 hours.

Under the impact of the storm, heavy rain is likely in the north coastal districts.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall, is likely at a few places in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram districts, as well as Yanam.

The Meteorological Office has issued a red alert for the three districts, which are likely to receive more than 20 cm of rainfall. These districts may experience flash floods.

Due to heavy rain in neighbouring Odisha, rivers in north coastal Andhra are in spate.

Heavy inflows into the Vamsadhara inundated some villages and agricultural fields in Srikakulam district.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has alerted people in Srikakulam, Manyam and Vizianagaram districts.

A second flood warning has been issued at Gotta Barrage in Srikakulam district. The inflow and outflow at the barrage stood at 80,844 cusecs on Friday morning.

APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain has urged people living in river basin areas to take appropriate precautions.

A couple were killed when a wall collapsed in Srikakulam district in the early hours of Friday. The incident occurred in Savarabattur village in Mandasa mandal. The deceased were identified as Savara Budiya (58) and Rupamma (60).

Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu, who hails from Srikakulam district, reviewed the flood situation and asked officials to remain alert to deal with any emergency. He spoke to the District Collector and the Superintendent of Police over the phone and asked them to closely monitor the situation.

Earlier, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation arising from heavy rain and gusty winds in north coastal Andhra, as well as the threat of flash floods in three districts.

He held a video conference with the Collectors of the north coastal Andhra districts from his official residence in Amaravati.

The Chief Minister enquired about the situation in the districts and directed officials to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.

He said that, in view of the Meteorological Department’s warning that some areas could face flooding, the administration should remain alert and keep people informed.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to provide necessary services to people through a round-the-clock control room.