At least 19 people have died, and over 17,000 have been evacuated from various parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as incessant rain continues to cause devastation across the states, leading to widespread flooding. Around 140 trains have been cancelled, and many have been diverted.
The heavy downpour and flooding, triggered by a low-pressure system, has led to road closures, disconnecting several areas and leaving thousands stranded.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, enquiring about the situation in both states. He assured them of all possible help from the Centre, as more rain is expected in the coming days.
Of the 19 victims, nine were from Andhra Pradesh while Telangana reported 10 fatalities. Three more people are feared to have been washed away in the floodwaters in Andhra, while one person is missing in Telangana, according to news agency PTI.
The South Central Railway (SCR) has cancelled 140 trains and diverted 97, leaving nearly 6,000 passengers stranded at various stations.
Over 17,000 people have been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh as national and state disaster relief teams continue rescue operations. In Vijayawada alone, which experienced severe flooding, over 2.76 lakh people have been affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana's Revanth Reddy and assured them of all possible help from the central government to deal with rains and floods.
Hyderabad also witnessed heavy rains and the continued overnight downpour led to waterlogging in many parts of the city. Due to the forecast of more heavy rains in Hyderabad district, a holiday has been declared for all schools on September 2.
Several areas in both states were cut off as roads were either destroyed or submerged in water. As the floods damaged a bridge near the Andhra-Telangana border, traffic on the national highway connecting the two states was also disrupted.
Twenty-six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, equipped with inflatable boats, pole and tree cutters, and basic medical aid tool, are being deployed for flood relief and rescue operations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, according to officials. Twelve teams have already been deployed, and 14 more are being airlifted to the two neighbouring states.
While Revanth Reddy directed the minister and top bureaucrats to coordinate the rescue efforts effectively, several people stranded in Khammam, one of the worst-hit areas, have alleged a lack of government assistance. According to locals, many were stranded in various buildings in the area.
Many rivers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including the Budameru Vagu river, known as the 'Sorrow of Vijayawada', are in spate following heavy rains. People from nearby areas have been moved to relief camps in both states.
The meteorological department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in parts of Andhra Pradesh for four days, from September 2 to 5. Similar weather conditions, with warnings of extremely heavy rain, are also expected in Telangana.
Source: India Today