Relentless rain throws life out of gear in Visakhapatnam

After weeks of subdued monsoon activity, Visakhapatnam witnessed its first spell of relentless rain on Sunday, August 17, which lasted for hours and disrupted normal life across the city.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Visakhapatnam and nine other districts on Monday, August 18, following the formation of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. By afternoon, most parts of the city were under the grip of incessant showers. Stormwater drains overflowed, low-lying areas were inundated, and several roads were left waterlogged. Kapuluppada in Bhimili mandal recorded the highest rainfall in the State at 153.75 mm, followed by Paradeshipalem (142.25 mm), Bhimili (134 mm), Anandapuram (131 mm), and Madhurawada (129 mm). From June 1 to August 17, Visakhapatnam registered 319.88 mm of rainfall, slightly below the season’s normal of 363.86 mm, but Sunday’s downpour alone surpassed the peak.

In Gajuwaka, areas such as Dairy Colony, Rickshaw Colony, HB Colony, and Ramachandra Colony were submerged under up to three feet of water, while Gnanapuram, Chilakapeta, and One Town also reported flooding. Residents near hill slopes in Hanumanthawaka, Tadichetlapalem, and Kancharapalem were placed on alert. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has set up a toll-free helpline (1800-425-0009) for rain-related emergencies.

District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad convened an emergency meeting and directed Revenue, Police, Medical, and Municipal authorities to stay on high alert and coordinate round-the-clock. Control rooms were opened with helplines 108 for medical emergencies, 101 for fire, 100 for police, and 1912 for power supply.

School holiday on August 18

Mr. Harendhira Prasad issued circular that there will be holiday for all government and private schools on Monday (August 18) due to heavy rainfall alert by the IMD.

Meanwhile, TDP State president and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao appealed to residents and officials to exercise maximum caution. He urged authorities to remain vigilant in coastal, hilly, and flood-prone areas, and advised fishermen in Gangavaram, Yarada, and Dibbapalem not to venture into the sea.