Collector reviews flood situation, directs officials to step up relief measures

District Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore on Thursday directed officials across departments to remain on high alert and expedite relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations as heavy rain triggered by a deep depression continued to affect Visakhapatnam district. The district recorded a cumulative average rainfall of 321.6 mm between 8.30 a.m. on September 21 and 6 p.m. on September 24.

Chairing a teleconference with officials of the Revenue, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Police, Fire, Electricity, Medical and other departments under the aegis of the District Disaster Management Authority, Mr. Kishore instructed them to monitor the situation round the clock and coordinate closely. He later inspected ground-level conditions in the evening and alerted officials stationed in the field.

The Collector directed officials to pay special attention to low-lying and vulnerable areas and keep residents in these zones alert to the risks. He instructed the GVMC and the electricity department to expedite the clearing of fallen trees and restoration of power supply. Revenue officials were asked to continue relocating affected families to rehabilitation centres set up at cyclone shelters and community halls, with arrangements for shelter, food, drinking water and emergency medical care.

Officials told the Collector that of the 129 rain-related complaints received by the GVMC, 117 had been resolved, while 73 fallen trees had been removed from roads to restore traffic. The APEPDCL reported that 22 electricity feeders were affected, with 2.46 km of 11-kV conductor wire damaged and subsequently repaired.

Preliminary assessments showed that four hectares of banana crop had been damaged in Anandapuram and Bheemunipatnam mandals, while 11 houses had been damaged, including four fully and seven partially. Around 55 km of Roads and Buildings Department roads were also affected. Mr. Kishore ordered field-level assessments of crop and property damage to be carried out without delay and directed officials to prioritise repairs to damaged roads and electricity infrastructure.

Appealing to the public, the Collector asked residents to stay indoors unless it was essential to step out until the rain and the impact of the depression had subsided fully. He advised people to keep away from overflowing canals and streams, low-lying areas, landslide-prone zones, electric poles and snapped power lines, and urged them to alert the administration promptly in case of an emergency.

For assistance, residents can contact the Collectorate control room at 0891-2590100 or 0891-2590102, the GVMC toll-free number 1800-425-00009 or its WhatsApp helpline 9014218870, the APEPDCL helpline 7382299975, medical emergency numbers 8331093136 and 9010292576, and Fire Services at 101 or 0891-2563582. The RDOs of Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam can be reached at 0891-2562977 and 9014093139, respectively.