Andhra Pradesh Floods: Death Toll Rises to 45 as State Struggles with Widespread Devastation

The death toll from the devastating Andhra Pradesh floods in Vijayawada and other districts of Andhra Pradesh has risen to 45, following the recovery of 13 more bodies on Sunday. Two individuals remain missing as rescue efforts continue amidst the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by relentless heavy rains. The sharp increase from 32 to 45 fatalities underscores the severe impact of this natural disaster, with victims found in bushes, canals, and beneath debris. NTR district has been the hardest hit, accounting for 35 of the tragic deaths, highlighting the urgent need for ongoing relief and rescue operations in the region.

Andhra Pradesh Floods

Widespread Destruction of Agriculture and Infrastructure

The flash floods have left a trail of devastation across Andhra Pradesh, severely impacting agriculture, infrastructure, and the fishing industry. This disaster has resulted in the deaths of 473 animals and 71,639 poultry birds, and over 16,000 animals have required urgent care at emergency health camps. The fishing community has been particularly hard hit, with 377 boats destroyed, 226 ships partially damaged, and 1,939 fishing nets ruined. In addition to Vijayawada, other districts like Guntur, Palnadu, and Eluru have reported casualties. A landslide in Vijayawada’s Mogalrajapuram claimed five lives, while eight people drowned in floodwaters in the rural areas of the city. G Konduru Mandal saw four fatalities, while Mylavaram and Ibrahimpatnam each reported two deaths. The floods have also taken a heavy toll in Vijayawada North, where ten people lost their lives, with additional fatalities in the central and west divisions. The widespread loss and suffering underscore the urgent need for continued relief efforts and support for affected communities.

Guntur and Palnadu Districts Suffer Heavy Losses

The neighboring Guntur district has been severely affected, with seven fatalities reported, including a tragic incident where a teacher and two students were swept away while traveling between Uppalapadu and Namburu. Palnadu district also faced heartbreak as a motorist was carried away by floodwaters, and Eluru district reported two deaths in Nuzvid and Agiripalli due to the flooding. The floods have wreaked havoc on infrastructure, damaging over 3,900 km of roads and causing 63 major breaches, of which only 45 have been repaired despite ongoing efforts by local authorities. The disaster has caused approximately 240 road overflows and 236 traffic interruptions, crippling daily life. The agricultural sector has been devastated, with nearly 1.81 lakh hectares of land impacted, affecting over 2.05 lakh farmers. Additionally, the horticulture sector has suffered damage across 19,686 hectares in 12 districts. In Guntur, a breach in the summer storage tank at Peddakakani disrupted water supplies, though emergency restoration was swiftly completed. Of the 51 drinking water schemes affected, 22 have already been restored, showcasing the resilience and dedication of the response teams.

Relief and Rescue Operations Intensified

The state government has ramped up relief efforts in response to the devastating floods, establishing 246 relief camps statewide to shelter over 48,000 displaced residents. In the NTR district alone, 97 camps have been set up, providing refuge to 14,852 evacuees. To bolster rescue operations, 50 dedicated teams have been deployed, including 22 from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 26 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and two Navy units. Helicopters are actively airlifting stranded individuals, with 21 people rescued from heavily flooded areas so far. More than 200 boats and 480 professional swimmers are on the front lines of the rescue missions, tirelessly working to save lives. The state’s helpline services have been inundated with 4,562 distress calls, mainly seeking urgent rescue, medical aid, food, and water supplies. Authorities are working around the clock to meet these critical needs through extensive relief and medical camps.

State Prepares for More Rain Amid Recovery Efforts

With more rain forecasted in the coming days, the state government remains on high alert, prioritizing the safety of residents, restoring essential services, and mitigating further damage. As the floodwaters begin to recede, the state is now confronted with the daunting task of recovery and rebuilding, aiming to restore normalcy and support affected communities in the aftermath of this disaster.