Rescue and relief efforts in flood-affected Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, continued on Tuesday as floodwaters at Prakasam Barrage began to recede, offering some relief to residents.
Officials reported that five helicopters from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy, along with 228 boats, were deployed for rescue missions in Vijayawada and other flood-stricken areas of NTR, Krishna, and Bapatla districts.
The operations involved 26 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 21 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). NDRF teams successfully airlifted 240 individuals and distributed 40 tonnes of food supplies.
Meanwhile, IAF and Navy helicopters airlifted 22 stranded people and delivered 7,070 kg of food items.
In Vijayawada and other parts of NTR district, the worst-hit area, 22 teams each from the NDRF and SDRF were on ground to manage the situation.
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Heavy rains and floods since Saturday have claimed 17 lives, with two people still missing. NTR district reported nine fatalities, while seven deaths occurred in Guntur district, and one in Palnadu district. The floods impacted 4.15 lakh people. Over 43,000 evacuated to 163 relief camps across several districts, including NTR, Guntur, and Krishna.
To assist in evacuations, authorities used 228 boats, including 174 motorized and 54 non-motorized. Additionally, 315 active swimmers supported the rescue operations.
In Vijayawada, several residential areas remained flooded after the Budameru rivulet breached in six places. However, the flood flow at Prakasam Barrage receded to 9.40 lakh cusecs on Tuesday. It was down from 11.50 lakh cusecs on Monday, easing fears of further flooding. The second warning signal at the barrage remains in force, with water levels at 20 feet.
Five wooden boats stuck at Gate Number 69 have damaged the gate’s pillar. Officials plan to undertake repairs once the floodwaters recede further.