More Than 300 Tata Cars Submerged Due To Heavy Flooding In Vijayawada

Unprecedented rainfall over the past few days has severely disrupted life in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, leading to significant loss of life and property. The relentless downpour has caused extensive flooding, with at least 27 people reported dead across the two states. The heavy rains have not only claimed lives but also inflicted considerable damage to infrastructure, businesses, and homes. In Vijayawada, one of the worst-affected areas, around 300 brand-new cars at a Tata Motors dealership, along with several other vehicles that were in for service, were submerged due to the severe flooding.

The Krishna River, which runs through Vijayawada, has swollen to alarming levels, recording a flood inflow of 11.43 lakh cusecs at the Prakasam Barrage, nearing its capacity of 11.9 lakh cusecs. The river’s surge has led to the inundation of low-lying areas, including Bhavanipuram and other adjacent regions. Fortunately, the city's main areas were spared from more severe flooding due to the recently completed retaining wall on the left bank of the river.

However, the Budameru stream, which flows through Vijayawada, exacerbated the situation by bringing in additional floodwaters from the Khammam district, further submerging parts of Ajit Singh Nagar and newly developed colonies. Over 2.5 lakh residents in these submerged areas have been left without power or access to clean drinking water, compounding the misery.

In neighbouring Telangana, the situation has been equally dire. Several districts have reported severe flooding, with roads and infrastructure severely damaged. Urban areas, particularly in Hyderabad, have seen waterlogging, disrupting traffic and daily life. In rural areas, crops have been devastated, with farmers suffering heavy losses as fields remain waterlogged.

The state governments of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have mobilised extensive resources to respond to the crisis. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have deployed numerous teams across the affected regions. These teams are engaged in rescue operations, helping stranded residents evacuate to safer areas and providing essential supplies like food and water.

The economic impact of the rains has been significant. In addition to the automotive sector, other industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail, have reported losses. Small businesses, in particular, have been hit hard, with shops and markets inundated, leading to a temporary shutdown of operations in many areas.

Both state governments have issued advisories urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Relief camps have been set up in the most affected areas, providing shelter and essential supplies to those displaced by the floods. The central government has also been monitoring the situation closely, with potential financial aid and support being considered to help the states recover from the disaster.

Video Source: X/Surya Reddy