VIJAYAWADA: The Indian Army has joined the State government in plugging the breach to Budameru Rivulet on Friday. If things go as planned and if there are not much rains upstream, the breach is likely to be plugged by Saturday morning.
According to a release by the Defence Department, the Indian Army Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations column has been pro-actively addressing the situation in Vijayawada, following breaches in three critical locations. “The initial breaches, identified as Breach 1 and Breach 2, each ranging from 10-15 metres in width, have been temporarily plugged by the civil administration, stabilising the situation momentarily,” the statement read.
However, the temporary solution has led to a funnelling effect, increasing the water flow significantly at the third breach site, which spans approximately 80-100 metres. “The water current at this location is between 6-8 knots, with projections suggesting it might escalate to 10-12 knots,” it said.
The team is planning to employ a robust two-layer strategy using Gabion baskets, each measuring 5x2x2 metres. A Gabion is a type of wired-basket filled with various rocks or soil that helps prevent erosion or retain a slope. They are commonly used in stream banks or areas with steep slopes. These baskets will be placed one atop the other and filled with stones to fortify the Budameru breach.
Budameru canal breach likely to be plugged today
Following the placement of the Gabion baskets, a protective bund of up to four metres in height will be constructed, accompanied by necessary earthwork to support the outer side of the baskets.
“The fabrication of the Gabion baskets is underway, using local resources at the site for immediate deployment. Additionally, trials will also include the use of HESCO baskets filled with sandbags to evaluate their effectiveness in this scenario. Personnel of the Army HADR are fully committed to mitigating the impact of the breach and will continue to undertake preemptive measures as the situation evolves,” the note stated.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who conducted an aerial survey of Budameru Rivulet and the flood-affected areas, said the officials are taking all steps to plug the third breach. “The Army is also working with us. We are hopeful that the breach will be plugged by Saturday morning. This is a new job for the Army personnel too,” Naidu pointed out.
Inter-ministerial Central team to visit Andhra Pradesh, Telangana soon
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the Centre has been extending all the requisite and timely assistance to the flood-hit States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
“On the directions of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a Central team of experts has been deputed for Vijayawada to make an on-the-spot assessment of flood management, reservoir management, issues of dam safety and making recommendations for immediate relief from the flood,” Additional Secretary in the MHA Sanjeev Kumar Jindal said. The team will make its recommendations to the MHA for additional financial assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund, he added.
Elaborating on the Centre’s measures, Jindal said 26 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), eight helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF), three helicopters and one Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy have been mobilised in Andhra Pradesh for rescue and relief operations.
He pointed out that on the night of September 1, when the flood affected many areas, NDRF teams and IAF helicopters were mobilised to assist the State governments on the directives of the Union Home Minister.
Jindal explained that the NDRF teams, so far, have rescued 350 persons and evacuated about 15,000 others in AP. The helicopters have carried out 65 sorties and around 71,000 kg of food and relief material have been provided to the affected population in AP, the MHA said, adding that the director general of the NDRF also visited Andhra Pradesh on September 2-3 to supervise rescue and relief operations.
CM: Reports on Central aid false
Dismissing reports about the Centre releasing financial assistance for flood-hit Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday said the State government is yet to submit a report to the Central government. He added that the report on losses will be submitted on Saturday morning
Plan Of Action
Fortifying Budameru
Gabion baskets, each measuring 5x2x2 metres, will be placed one atop the other
Protective bund of up to four metres in height will be constructed
Trials will also include the use of HESCO baskets
Rain report
Significant rainfall across Andhra Pradesh for next few days.
Heavy rains likely in North Coastal AP & Yanam today
Central assistance
Inter-ministerial Central team to visit State soon
26 NDRF teams rescued 350 persons and evacuated about 15,000 others
10 choppers carried out 65 sorties and provided around 71,000 kgs of food and relief material
