Andhra Pradesh on high alert as heavy rains lash State

With the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifying and triggering heavy rainfall across Andhra Pradesh, the State government has gone on high alert. Home and Disaster Management Minister Taneti Vanitha held discussions with District Collectors on preparedness and directed officials to ensure that people face no hardships.

The Minister said that the weather system is likely to strengthen into a cyclone by August 18 (Monday), ushering in very heavy rainfall. “Collectors should set up control rooms in all districts, and if necessary, SDRF and NDRF teams will be deployed,” she instructed.

Key directives mention that district officials must remain accessible at the field level, people in low-lying areas should be alerted from time to time, fallen trees on roads must be cleared immediately, while residents must avoid venturing into rivers, streams, and canals, or fish and swim. Emergency helplines of the Disaster Management Authority — 112, 1070, and 1800-425-0101 — should be contacted if needed.

The inflows and outflows at the Prakasam Barrage on the Krishna river have reached 2.85 lakh cusecs. Given the heavy rainfall, the Minister warned that the first flood warning level may be crossed by August 18. People in the Krishna river basin have been urged to remain alert.

Meanwhile, the Godavari river at Dowleswaram recorded heavy inflows of 4.07 lakh cusecs. “Under no circumstances should people attempt to cross flooded rivers, streams, or canals. Residents of low-lying areas must exercise utmost caution,” the Minister emphasised.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued a cautionary alert as flood levels in the Krishna and Godavari rivers continue to rise due to heavy rains. APSDMA Commissioner Prakhar Jain stated that as of 5 p.m. on Sunday, the inflow and outflow at the Prakasam Barrage stood at 2.87 lakh cusecs. He warned that water levels are likely to touch the first flood warning mark by August 18 (Monday) if the rains persist.