VIJAYAWADA: Despite Wednesday's overcast sky and drizzling, flood-relief works continued for the fourth day in Vijayawada. While floodwater receded in a few parts of the city, last-mile food delivery continued to be a challenge.
According to statistics, total toll due to rains and floods mounted to 32 in the State. Of the total, 23 deaths were reported in the NTR district and two people were missing. However, it is believed that the death toll could be much higher, as several bodies, reportedly found in flood-affected areas remain unaccounted for.
As the floodwater receded, a few people, who had moved out of their homes following the deluge, visited their houses only to be devastated by the destruction the floods caused. They picked up the pieces of what was left in the debris, before leaving for safer places.
Accompanied by their little ones, many people were seen with a bag or a cloth sack on their heads, painting a bleak picture of untold sorrow.
CM reviewed the relief efforts on Wednesday
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu supervised the relief efforts on Wednesday as well and made field visits to boost people’s morale.
Speaking to mediapersons after reviewing the situation with senior officials, he said works to remove slush and muck have commenced.
A total of 400 sanitation workers have been engaged, with several of them being deputed from municipal bodies across the State. As many as 100 fire engines have been deployed to clear the slush in colonies affected by the floods. Stating that the flood has affected close to seven lakh people, Naidu said officials of all ranks, from the Chief Secretary to municipal sanitation workers, are engaged in relief works during the unforeseen crisis.
“We are making every effort to reach out to the last man. By 11:30 am on Wednesday, 91 per cent of victims were provided with food. We are trying to reach out to places, where access has been hampered,” he explained.
During a late night press briefing, Naidu commended the efforts of officials and employees in carrying out flood relief operations. “With floodwater receding power has been restored in several places. Instead of providing prepared food, we are now focussing on giving essential commodities in a phased manner,” he explained. Further, he assured the people that prices of essential commodities will be regulated and supply of drinking water will be increased. He also thanked people who voluntarily donated to the CM Relief Fund.
45,369 shifted to 214 relief camps: Kolusu
Even with small donations, Rs 1 crore was recorded in a day, he added.
Meanwhile, a package containing 25 kg rice, one kg each of red gram, oil, sugar, onion and potato was distributed to the flood-hit families. Weaver and fishermen's families were given an additional 25 kg of rice. Elaborating on the relief measures, I&PR Minister K Parthasarathy said drinking water is being supplied in 182 water tanks, while municipal water supply has been restored so it can be used for other purposes. Of the total 6,44,536 people affected, 45,369 have been shifted to 214 relief camps. As many as 158 medical camps have been conducted.