“Central Government has been in thorough coordination with the state since day one” says Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Andhra flood situation

Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 3 (ANI): Amid the ongoing flood situation in Andhra Pradesh, Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP, Ram Mohan Naidu, asserted that the central and state governments are working in coordination to address the crisis.

Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Ram Mohan Naidu said, “The Central Government has been in thorough coordination with the state since day one. PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have been in contact with CM Chandrababu Naidu since the day of the incident, and all necessary cooperation from the Centre is being extended to the state.”

He noted that 26 NDRF teams comprising 700 personnel, 4 Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters, and 2 Navy helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations in the flood-stricken areas.

TDP MP Naidu said, “26 NDRF teams, comprising about 700 personnel, are working on the ground today. Numerous powerboats have been deployed across the city to evacuate people and provide medical assistance.”

“Four Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters and two Navy helicopters are also deployed. The Centre has been cooperative in providing the immediate assistance needed,” the Civil Aviation Minister added.

Highlighting the government’s focus on immediate relief, he said that funds will be sought from the Centre after the damage assessment is complete.

“Once the water recedes, there will be an assessment of the loss and damage, and we will then look into securing funds from the Centre,” he added.

Earlier today, in response to requests from the local administration due to the flood-like situation caused by incessant rains in Andhra Pradesh, Indian Naval Aircraft, Flood Relief Teams (FRTs), and diving teams from the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam were deployed to augment the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts in the state.

Hyderabad Meteorological Centre Scientist, A Sravani, earlier noted that Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh received a staggering 27 cm of rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding.

A Sravani said, “A low-pressure system formed over the Bay of Bengal on August 30, which intensified into a well-marked low-pressure area by August 31. It crossed as a depression on the night of the 31st. Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh received a staggering 27 cm of rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding and inundation.”

Ten Flood Relief Teams have also been deployed to support the rescue efforts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with Central forces and district officials, have provided food, drinking water, and other essential items in Vijayawada through helicopter operations.

Reportedly, additional naval assets and rescue teams with associated gear are on standby to provide further assistance.