India: 'Sorrow of Vijayawada' in spate after heavy downpours

Vijayawada: The Budameru Vagu river, also known as the ‘Sorrow of Vijayawada’ is in spate following heavy rains and is leading to a flood-like situation in various parts of the city.

Aerial visuals from Vijayawada show rainwater filled in several areas of the city.

Meanwhile, the depression over the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts that has been causing rainfall for the past two days has moved north-westwards to cross the southern state’s coast near Kalingapatnam on Sunday, said the weather department.

Heavy rainfall on Sunday led to severe flooding in the Rama Krishna Puram area of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, submerging houses, and cars.

Police and NDRF teams-initiated rescue and relief operations, relocating affected residents to rehabilitation centres.

The IMD has also issued a weather warning for the next five days. The weather department forecast heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms and lightening for Sunday.

For the following four days, isolated places in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to experience thunderstorms with lightning.

Srinuvas, IMD, Visakhapatnam said: “The depression is over South Odisha and adjoining South Chhattisgarh and north Andhra Pradesh coast...it is likely to move in a west-northwest direction further and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area...under the influence of this depression, coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to receive widespread rain in the next 24 hours also...we have issued red alert in some districts...”

One dead 2 hospitalised

On Saturday, a house in Mogalrajapuram collapsed due to a rock falling from a hill, resulting in the death of a woman. Two other women were hospitalized and their condition was said to be stable.

According to the officials, the house collapsed after a rock fell from the top of the hill amid heavy rainfall. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu held a review meeting on Saturday, instructing officials to remain vigilant and alert in rain-affected areas.

He also directed the declaration of school holidays in regions experiencing heavy rainfall, the installation of warning boards near overflowing streams and rivers, and the issuance of alert messages to mobile phones.

Naidu warned of potential hazards, including falling power lines and trees due to strong winds and rain.

“The Budameru Canal’s waters have spread to this area, causing a huge problem. Thousands of people are stranded in their homes and on rooftops. I will monitor the situation hourly and stay here to oversee the efforts. This disaster is a result of natural causes and the previous government’s neglect of the Budameru Canal.

All rescue teams are being mobilized, and the government will make every effort to assist. Food and essential supplies will be delivered to the public by boat. We will also use boats to evacuate those in need of medical assistance. Helpline numbers will be provided to the public, and I will oversee the entire operation. We will organize more boats and bring in additional NDRF teams,” Naidu said.

Parts of Vijayawada and Warangal in Telangana were affected by rain on Saturday, leading to waterlogging in several areas.