The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the police swung into action to take up rescue and relief operations in the flood-hit areas of East and West Godavari districts.
As the Godavari is in spate and heavy rains have been predicted in the catchment areas, forces have also been deployed in Telangana and Karnataka States, according to the NDRF officials.
Home Minister Mekathoti Sucharita said about 500 villages were affected due to floods in the Godavari in 24 mandals of the two districts. The State government set up relief and medical camps and steps were being taken to provide essential services to the flood victims, she said.
Police in action
Director-General of Police (DGP) Gautam Sawang said that police were monitoring the flood situation through drones and were instructed to take up relief works in the flood-affected mandals in the State.
NDRF 10th Battalion Commandant Zahid Khan said that 18 teams were deployed to the flood-affected villages in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka States. “We have sent teams to the marooned villages in East and West Godavari districts, Bhadradri Kothagudem district in Telangana, with necessary life saving equipment. More teams were kept ready to press into service, if necessary,” said Mr. Khan.
The deputy and assistant commandants who are heading the teams were instructed to be in touch with the respective Collectorates, Joint Collectors and District Revenue Officers and prevent any human and animal loss, the Commandant said. “More teams were kept standby at the battalion headquarters in Guntur district, and would be deployed in emergency to meet the situation,” Mr. Khan said.
Alert sounded
AP State Disaster Response and Fire Services Director K. Jayaram Naik said that alert was sounded and SDRF personnel were sent to the flood ravaged villages in the State with boats, ropes and life jackets.
“District Fire Officers of Godavari and Krishna River beds have been asked to be on alert, ” the Director told The Hindu.
