Many villages along the Sarada river in Anakapalli district were flooded after the water flowed over the embankments due to heavy rains in its catchment areas due to Cyclone Montha.
The locals at Yadagiripalem village of Munagapaka mandal said that Sarada river was overflowing and floodwaters reached the main road in Yadagiripalem in the early hours of Thursday (October 30), around 4.30 a.m.
Irrigation department officials confirmed the breach of the river at Rambilli mandal due to the inflow of 40,000 to 50,000 cusecs of water from the catchment areas due to Cyclone Montha.
Villagers faced difficulties to move through the flooded roads and streets, fearing poisonous snakes and swift currents in the floodwater. Farmers anticipate huge losses as their crops were inundated in the flood water. They were also worried about the contamination of drinking water and the spread of diseases after the floods receded.
As per the initial reports, about 200-metre-long embankment on the right-side strectch of the Sarada river was breached at Y. Lova village in Rambilli mandal of Anakapalli district, said North Coastal Andhra Pradesh State Irrigation Chief Engineer K.V.N. Swarna Kumar.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Kumar added that the breach was caused by inflows in the Sarada river and its own catchment areas due to heavy rains in the upper region.
Anakapalli Collector Vijaya Krishnan visited the breached portion of the river, and ordered the restoration. āThe Irrigation department is coordinating with the Revenue, Fire department, SDRF team and the procurement of personnel, equipment and machinery is in progress. We will take up the work and seal the breach after the water recedes,ā said Mr. Kumar.
Meanwhile, saftey precautions have been taken and the authorities said that they are ready for evacuation if required.
Published ā October 30, 2025 04:00 pm IST
