Naidu Seeks National Calamity Status for Devastating Andhra Pradesh Floods

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu described the recent heavy rains and subsequent floods in Andhra Pradesh, especially in Vijayawada, as the most severe disaster he has encountered in his political career. Naidu mentioned on Monday that he plans to ask the central government to declare the flood a national calamity. At least 17 people have died due to rain-related incidents and flooding.

Naidu noted that the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada experienced its highest floodwater level, with a discharge of 11.43 lakh cusecs. The barrage is designed to handle up to 11.9 lakh cusecs of floodwater. "Because of 11.43 lakh cusecs of floodwater, water crossed the Bhavanipuram road and submerged the entire Swathi theatre area in Vijayawada, and then flowed into the Vambay colony," he said.

Flood Impact and Relief Efforts

The chief minister highlighted that some areas like Ajit Singh Nagar are still submerged, but floodwaters are slowly receding. He reported that the water level has decreased by 1.5 feet in Ajit Singh Nagar and is also reducing in Bhavanipuram. Naidu added that floodwaters are gradually receding in the Krishna river and Budameru, with improvements expected in the next two days.

Despite the depression crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam, the highest rainfall was recorded in NTR and Guntur districts. Rainfall in Telangana's Nalgonda and Khammam districts worsened the flooding in downstream Vijayawada via Budameru and other rivulets. Naidu expressed sorrow over the government's inability to supply food to some flood victims in remote areas despite their best efforts.

Naidu shared distressing scenes he witnessed on Monday, including a man leaving his wife behind to get food for his one-year-old child and an elderly couple facing extreme difficulties. "So many pathetic stories today. I went there in the evening Monday also. I went about six to seven times. I am trying in all possible ways. My resolve is to provide food to the last mile at any cost," he said.

Government Response and Measures

To manage relief operations, Naidu stated that 32 senior IAS officers have been appointed for 32 divisions, and 179 officials have been assigned to an equal number of villages and ward secretariats in flood-affected areas. He mentioned that various modes of transportation such as boats, tractors, and vans will be used for food distribution starting Tuesday.

Naidu observed that inaccessible places will be served by six helicopters for dropping food packets. He highlighted that eight to nine drones were used to deliver food packets to 10,000 people on Monday and assured that up to 35 more drones would be deployed on Tuesday.

The chief minister said 3.5 lakh people were provided food on Monday by procuring it from all districts. He assured that food will reach one lakh more people. The chief minister said he is also eliciting information from flood victims through surveys for serving them better.

Referring to three large boats hitting the Prakasam Barrage on Monday, Naidu said it was fortunate that they did not dash at critical places; otherwise, it could have been "dangerous." He claimed that there could be a conspiracy behind their drifting towards the barrage.

Naidu concluded by stating that all reports related to the calamity will be sent to the Centre, requesting generous funds for recovery efforts.