Incessant rains lash Visakhapatnam for third consecutive day

Visakhapatnam: Extensive preventive and relief measures have been carried out in several parts of Visakhapatnam as heavy rains continue for the third consecutive day under the influence of the deep depression.

Coordinating with concerned departments, including district disaster management authority, revenue, GVMC, police, fire, electricity, medical and other departments, District Collector M Abhishikth Kishore is monitoring the situation and responding to emergencies from time to time.

An average of 319.3-mm of rainfall was recorded across the district between 8.30 am on September 21 and 4 pm on September 24.

The highest rainfall was reported in Visakhapatnam rural mandal with 412.4-mm, followed by Seethamadhara with 386.6-mm and Gopalapatnam with 361.8 mm.

Officials are giving special attention to low-lying and vulnerable areas, alerting residents about possible risks as many areas remain water-clogged.

As part of rescue operations, officials rescued 29-year-old R.Praveen and four others after their car became trapped in floodwater following a fall into a canal at Kanithi in the Madhurawada area.

Cyclone shelters and rehabilitation centres have been established at community halls in Seethamadhara, Maharanipet, Gajuwaka, Mulagada and Gopalapatnam. Along with shelter, food, drinking water and emergency medical services are provided to affected residents.

Of the 129 rain-related complaints received within GVMC limits, 117 have been resolved. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg directed officials to intensify chlorination and sanitation activities in all areas requiring immediate attention.

Officials have also cleared 73 fallen trees from roads and restored traffic movement. APEPDCL personnel are working continuously to restore electricity by repairing damaged poles and transformers.

The initial assessment indicates that 22 power feeders were affected and 2.46-km of 11 KV conductor wire was damaged.

About four hectares of banana crop belonging to 21 farmers in Anandapuram and Bheemunipatnam mandals were damaged due to the heavy rains.

Eleven houses were damaged in the district, including four completely damaged and seven partially.

The surface of approximately 55-km of R&B roads remain damaged. The District Collector mentioned that field-level inspections and a detailed assessment of the extent damage will continue to be assessed.

In case of any emergency, officials advised people to immediately contact the relevant control rooms.

The District Collector appealed to residents not to go out unless absolutely necessary until the impact of the rains and strong winds completely subsides. He urged both officials and the public to remain alert.

People have been advised to stay away from overflowing canals and streams, low-lying areas, landslide-prone locations, electric poles and fallen or exposed electrical wires. Residents have also been asked to immediately inform authorities in case of emergencies and cooperate with rescue and relief personnel.

Officials instructed personnel from all departments to remain on high alert as there is a possibility of rainfall continuing for another two days.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasu Potnuru

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Potnuru Srinivasa Rao (Vasu Potnuru) is an experienced journalist specialised in politics, sports, crime, general topics and tribal stories. With 18 years of writing and reporting expertise, he contributes to The Hans India's editorial department as Principal Correspondent based in Visakhapatnam. Vasu Potnuru completed his Bachelor of Business Management. Earlier, he worked as a staff reporter in a leading Telugu vernacular. During free time, the journalist spends time listening to music, playing cricket and shuttle badminton. Vasu Potnuru, an accomplished writer, honed his expertise in various genres such as politics, crime, sports and general topics. He received an award from the HYBIZ Media Awards for the Best Rural Story in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Also, he bagged the Best Crime Reporter Award in Visakhapatnam. He serves in different unions of working journalists and contributes to service activities.

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