New Delhi: Heavy rainfall is set to persist across Andhra Pradesh, prompting the meteorological department to issue a red alert for three districts and an orange alert for five others. Red alerts are in effect for Srikakulam, Manyam, and Vizianagaram districts due to anticipated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next two days. An orange alert has been issued for Visakha, Alluri, Anakapalli, Kakinada and Yanam for heavy rainfall, meteorologist KVS Srinivas informed ANI. The state has already experienced significant flooding, resulting in severe damage to property and the tragic loss of 45 lives in rain-related incidents. Although waterlogging has decreased, the aftermath of intense flooding continues to affect many areas.Home Minister Anitha to assess flood damage in VijayawadaAndhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha will begin assessing the flood damage in Vijayawada today. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu previously reported that approximately 140,000 single-floor residences have sustained considerable damage due to the floods. In response, the chief minister has appealed to the central government for assistance and updated Governor S Abdul Nazeer on the situation.Home Minister Anitha announced several relief measures, stating, Three lakh food packets, along with milk and biscuits, will be distributed. Additionally, 5 lakh kilograms of vegetables have already been sold through 163 stores. The government is also taking steps to clean affected areas, deploying fire engines to clean 20,000 houses and using 42 drones for sanitation work.Support from neighbouring states and central governmentThe neighboring state of Telangana has also been severely impacted by the floods. In response, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared on Friday that the central government would provide immediate aid of ₹3,448 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This funding aims to mitigate the effects of the floods on local populations.Furthermore, the central government plans to assess crop damage and consider additional support measures, including providing seeds, fertilizers, and potential loan waivers for affected farmers.
