Flash floods devastate Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: rescue operations underway

Incessant heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, causing widespread flooding in several areas. The natural disaster has trapped villagers, damaged road communication and flooded residential neighbourhoods, affecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people.

Authorities have launched rescue operations and relief efforts to provide aid to those stranded by the floods. However, the magnitude of the damage and its impact on communities have raised concerns about the need for more comprehensive measures to address such calamities in the future.

Flood situation

In NTR district, several villagers were trapped in flash floods in Kanchala Lanka, Ambapuram and other dwellings. The 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Quick Response Teams (QRT) and the Police collaborated to rescue forty-eight villagers, using cranes and ropes to carry them to safe places.

The situation on National Highway 65 at the Nandigama mandal village of Ithavaram remained critical as the Munneru River burst its banks, submerging the area. Road communication from Vijayawada to Hyderabad was cut off due to knee-deep water on the National Highway, inconveniencing residents of Ibrahimpatnam, Kanchikacherla, Nandigama and Jaggaiahpet.

In Warangal and Hanamkonda, the impact of heavy rains was exacerbated by illegal construction within the full tank level (FTL) limits of various tanks and lakes. More than 80 residential neighborhoods were submerged, causing distress to residents in several locations.

To deal with the emergency, the authorities launched rescue operations and evacuated residents from the affected areas. However, the scale of the flooding caused significant damage to property and infrastructure. The government is working to provide aid to affected communities, but challenges remain.

The failure to expand Bondhivagu Nala, despite being advised by MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao, and incomplete smart roads under the Smart City Mission have been criticized as contributing to the flooding.

Intervention of Telangana High Court

In response to the severe flooding, the Telangana High Court intervened by hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The court ordered the state government to submit a detailed report on the floods, the assistance provided to the victims, and the measures taken for relief and rehabilitation.

The court also requested information on the number of victims, the compensation given to the families of the deceased, the status of the people relocated to safe places, and the facilities offered in the relief camps. The government was also questioned about the existence of a control room to monitor the situation and offer help.

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