GMC deploys 3,000 workers to tackle heavy rain in Guntur

The Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has deployed around 3,000 public health workers and 250 officials on the ground to prevent inconvenience to people amid heavy rains in the city, Municipal Commissioner K. Mayur Ashok said on Thursday.

Even as the public health workers were scheduled to have a holiday from Thursday afternoon, their leave was cancelled in view of the inclement weather. The civic body has kept 17 earthmovers, eight robots and 12 tree-cutting machines ready for emergency operations.

Mr. Ashok inspected several low-lying areas, including Kankaragunta ROB, Three Bridges, Pattabhipuram, Stambhalagaruvu, Vidyanagar Main Road, Inner Ring Road Phases I and II, Kakani Road, Budampadu and Chuttugunta. He directed the officials to clear accumulations from the major drains to ensure free flow of water.

The civic body has planned to pump out rainwater from the affected areas within 30 minutes. Pumpsets are being operated at vulnerable locations to clear the water stagnations and restore traffic movement.

With more rain expected on Thursday night, the officials and ward secretariat staff were instructed to remain available and continuously monitor the situation.

The Municipal Commissioner urged the denizens not to dump plastic waste into drains, warning that blockages could cause overflowing of drains onto roads. He advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees, electric poles and hoardings.