Heavy rains disrupt life in agency villages

Paderu: Heavy rains triggered by a low-pressure system have caused streams and hill rivulets to swell across several parts of Alluri Sitarama Raju district over the past two days, disrupting road connectivity and affecting daily life in the agency area. Gudem Kothaveedhi, Chintapalle, G Madugula, Pedabayalu, Munchingiputtu and Paderu mandals witnessed significant rainfall. The rising water levels brought traffic to a standstill on the Paradaniputtu bridgeconnecting villages along the Pedabayalu-Paderu border.

A hill stream overflowed on the road leading to Kinchuru village in Gullelu panchayat of Pedabayalu mandal. Large quantities of water entered the streams near Bantrotiputtu and Kunturlu villages, while rainwater accumulated on the road to Sampangiputtu, making travel difficult. Water also surged at Matsyageksha. Dense fog has covered several hilltop areas of the district, while the popular tourist destination of Vanjangi witnessed an increase in visitors eager to see the cloud-covered mountains.

A stream between Gorrelametta and Lakshmipuram villages under Kudumusari panchayat in Chintapalle mandal has been flowing at a high level. As there is no bridge at the location, traffic comes to a halt whenever heavy rains occur. Residents said they were being forced to risk their lives by crossing the swollen stream to obtain essential supplies. They appealed to the authorities to construct a bridge.

In Balapam panchayat, the proposed bridge between Korukonda and Burugubayalu villages is yet to be constructed. The temporary bridge arranged as an alternative was washed away in the rains, cutting off road access to around 10 villages. Officials said the temporary bridge was swept away following a heavy inflow of floodwater from the upper reaches. Burugubayalu, Turumamidi, Veeravaram andBuradamamidi villages have been cut off from the mandal headquarters, leaving residents facing difficulties in accessing essential services.

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The Hans India