Andhra Pradesh: Flood situation turns grim as water enters many habitations

Communication to almost all island villages cut off; country and mechanised boats arranged to evacuate people

About 44 habitations in Velerupadu and Kukunur mandals have been inundated in the Godavari floods and the villagers shifted to the rehabilitation centres in Eluru district. Many families have shifted to the hilltops nearby.

The situation in the tail-end villages in West Godavari turned grim on Wednesday with the flood water entering many habitations. Communication to almost all the island villages was cut off, the officials said.

Eluru District Collector V. Prasanna Venkatesh said 3,239 flood victims, including 165 children, were shifted to safer places. More people would be evacuated if necessary. A control room (with toll-free number 18002331077) has been set up to extend help,” he said.

“We have arranged country and mechanised boats for evacuating the villagers. A few tribal people moved to the hilly areas, and tarpaulins, food, drinking water, milk, solar lights, medicines and other material is being supplied to them,” the Collector said.

The flood was severe in Koida, Chigurumamidi, Kothuru, Repakagommu, Rudramkota and other habitations in Velerupadu and Kukunur mandals. About, 5,220 families were affected and nine boats were arranged for evacuation. About 48 medical camps and 12 rehabilitation centres were arranged, Mr. Prasanna Venkatesh said.

Jangareddygudem RDO Jhansi Rani, who reviewed the situation with the Irrigation, Tribal Welfare, Revenue, and Medical and Health officials directed the personnel to make arrangements to evacuate more people to the relief centres.