Rain wreaks havoc in AP

Amaravati: The severe depression that crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam last night has moved inland, but its impact continues to disrupt normal life across the State, with heavy rain lashing several districts, rivers and streams swelling rapidly, roads and transport links getting cut off and widespread damage reported to crops, power infrastructure and houses.

The weather system is expected to weaken further over the next 24 hours, but its impact is likely to continue for two more days. More than 10 cm of rainfall has been recorded at 80 locations, with Srikakulam and Vizianagaram bearing the brunt of the system. The Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers are in spate while several streams and rivulets are overflowing. Schools and colleges have been closed in rain-affected districts as precautionary measures.

The state is also facing the prospect of a fresh flood spell in Godavari River. With heavy rainfall in the upstream catchments, the river is rising steadily, and preliminary estimates indicate that the Dowleswaram Barrage could receive around 10 lakh cusecs by Saturday. The Central Water Commission has warned of rising flood levels from Saturday, prompting high alert in Polavaram, East Godavari and Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema districts.

The situation is particularly sensitive in the Godavari delta, where Polavaram and Sileru reservoirs and their catchments are already full. The Sabari is flowing strongly, and several tributaries are feeding the Godavari. The first danger-level warning is expected on September 26, with the possibility of a second warning on September 27 and a third by September 28.

As many as 74 Lanka villages in Konaseema are vulnerable to inundation. Authorities have begun preparing for evacuation from low-lying areas and suspended tourist boat operations to Papikondalu as river levels rise.

North Andhra, meanwhile, is dealing with the immediate impact of the depression. In Vizianagaram, the Nagavali was carrying more than 35,000 cusecs at the Rangarayapuram anicut, while roads and agricultural fields were inundated in several areas. In Palakonda, paddy fields were submerged and flooding brought traffic on the Palakonda-Kothuru road to a halt.

Srikakulam has reported extensive waterlogging, overflowing tanks and streams and power disruptions. Around 3,000 hectares of maize crop ready for harvest were flattened by the rain and strong winds. In Parvathipuram Manyam, low-lying areas were inundated and electric poles were uprooted.

Visakhapatnam recorded the highest rainfall in the state over the past two days, prompting a red alert with the possibility of 20 cm of rain.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K Varaprasada Rao

K Varaprasada Rao[email protected]

K Varaprasada Rao is a Senior Reporter with The Hans India, covering the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Chief Minister's Office (CMO), State Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and political affairs. With over 20 years of experience in journalism in Andhra Pradesh, he has extensively reported on governance, public policy, politics, and socio-economic issues that shape the state's development and influence the country's evolving landscape. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His reporting focuses on finance, industries, irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, public administration, and political developments, with a particular interest in analysing their long-term economic and social impact.

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