VIJAYAWADA: The State government commenced distributing essential kits to flood victims in Vijayawada on Friday. These kits, placed at Siddhartha College and Gollapudi Market Yard. These kits, prepared for approximately 2 lakh victims, were loaded into vehicles on Friday afternoon, and distribution started in the affected areas.
The Consumer Affairs, Food & Civil Supplies Department is distributing the kits and each victim is receiving 25 kg of rice, one kg of tur dal, one kg of sugar, two kg of onions, two kg of potatoes, and one litre of palm oil. Additionally, each person is given six apples, two noodle packets, two litres of milk, and six biscuit packets.
Speaking to TNIE, K Radha Krishna of Sitara Centre expressed gratitude to Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu for the efforts of the government, stating that the essentials distributed have alleviated the hunger of flood victims like her. She said that they had no means to purchase anything as the nearby shops were also submerged.
Following instructions from the Chief Minister, officials are ensuring that the food items provided to victims from various sources, including the government, are consistent and not prone to spoilage.
Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana is overseeing the programme, with hundreds of Food and Civil Supplies (ration) vehicles already reaching Vijayawada.
Vehicles from Guntur, NTR, and Krishna districts arrived at Vijayawada’s BRTS Road on Thursday night. By Friday afternoon, an officer was assigned to each vehicle, coordinating distribution details for different areas.
P Gopi, a driver from Jaggaiahpet, mentioned that even though ration distribution had begun in their own areas, they paused to help the flood victims in Vijayawada. Once the distribution in the affected areas is complete, they plan to resume operations in their localities.
Speaking on the occasion, Narayana said, “We are distributing about 10 lakh food packets, 8 lakh packets of milk, biscuits, and water daily. Every victim has expressed their satisfaction. However, as per the CM’s instructions, we are also providing noodles that can be easily prepared by boiling water. The CM is thinking through every detail and giving us guidance on the measures to be taken after the flood.”
Regarding sanitation, the MAUD Minister acknowledged challenges in some areas, where two breaches have been repaired, and the government has called in the military to assist in closing a third breach of Budameru. He added, “Once the third breach is repaired, the colonies should be free from water within 24 hours. Following this, sanitation workers will thoroughly clean all areas, carrying out bleaching and fogging operations.”
