VIJAYAWADA: In response to heavy rains and rising floodwaters in the Krishna, Godavari, and Tungabhadra river basins, Special Chief Secretary of Disaster Management G Jaya Lakshmi has directed all district collectors to remain on high alert. She emphasised the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to prevent any untoward incidents in low-lying areas.
During a teleconference on Tuesday, Jaya Lakshmi instructed officials to immediately shift residents from flood-prone areas to rehabilitation centres, ensuring that essential supplies, medicine, and sanitation materials are readily available.
She announced that Rs 16 crore has been sanctioned to 16 affected districts under TR-27 for relief activities, including the evacuation of victims, and the provision of safe drinking water, food, and medical camps. She confirmed that State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby in key locations, including Avanigadda in Krishna district, Vijayawada and Krishna Ghat in NTR district, Chintur in Alluri district, and Amalapuram in Konaseema district.
According to the latest reports, the flood flow in the Godavari river reached 36.6 feet at Bhadrachalam by 6 pm on Tuesday, with an inflow and outflow of 7.40 lakh cusecs at Dowleshwaram. The flood flow in the Krishna River at Prakasam Barrage was 4.66 lakh cusecs at the same time, with a possibility of further increase on Wednesday.
The Special CS also issued a weather forecast, noting that light to moderate rains are expected on Wednesday in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Alluri Seetharama Raju districts, with light rainfall in other districts.
Residents of low-lying and riverbank villages have been urged to take all necessary precautions. They are advised against crossing the river, swimming, fishing, or bathing in floodwaters.
The public is also strongly cautioned not to attempt to cross any overflowing streams or canals and to remain alert until the floods completely recede.