Indian Naval forces called on to aid in Andhra Pradesh floods

Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], September 3 (ANI): Based on the requests received from local administration due to flood like situation after incessant rains in Andhra Pradesh, Indian Naval Aircraft, Flood Relief Teams (FRTs) and diving teams from Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam were deployed to augment the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in the state.

Four helicopters, two Advanced Light Helicopters and two Chetaks along with one Dornier aircraft were deployed for providing Search and Rescue (SAR) cover. So far 22 stranded personnel have been rescued and more than 1000 kg of food was air-dropped for stranded individuals.

Earlier, Hyderabad Meteorological Centre Scienist A Sravani said 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 31st midnight. Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh received a staggering 27 cm of rainfall, resulting in widespread flooding and inundation.”

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

Reportedly, additional Naval assets and rescue teams with associated gears are kept on standby to provide necessary assistance.

Earlier, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, on Monday conducted a review over the heavy rain fall and flood situation at the Andhra Pradesh Disaster Management Authority office and said that protecting the lives and property of people is his first priority.

As a result of the floods, several areas including Singhnagar, Nandamuri Nagar and other low lying areas were submerged within hours, forcing nearly two lakh people to take shelter on the terraces of their buildings.

The Chief Minister visited the flood affected areas to personally supervise the assistance and relief provided to the people. In a post on X the CM said “I visited the flood affected areas in Vijayawada on the second day. I have personally supervised the assistance provided to the affected people. I assured them. The power boats sent by the Center and the arrangements made by the state government have increased the speed of relief operations. Public safety is our responsibility. All efforts are being made to bring people out of this unexpected calamity as soon as possible. I wish the affected people to be brave”.