The devastating rains and floods that have ravaged Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have claimed the lives of at least 35 people, with 19 fatalities reported in Andhra Pradesh and 16 in Telangana. As the heavy rainfall subsides, both states are beginning to assess the full extent of the damage.
Over 47,000 people have been evacuated to relief camps, with 47 rescue teams, including personnel from the NDRF and SDRF, actively engaged in relief operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a decrease in rainfall intensity as the depression over East Vidarbha and Telangana moves northwestward.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has described the floods, particularly in Vijayawada, as the “biggest disaster” the state has faced. The Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada discharged a record 11.43 lakh cusecs of water, causing significant flooding in various areas.
Both Chief Ministers, Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy of Telangana, have appealed to the Central Government to declare the floods a national calamity. Telangana has reported damages exceeding Rs 5,000 crore and has requested immediate relief assistance of Rs 2,000 crore. The Chief Ministers have also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured both states of full support from the Centre to address the crisis.
