AP Red Cross distributes relief aid to flood victims

The AP Red Cross has distributed relief aid valued at Rs 1.1 crore to alleviate the suffering of flood victims in Vijayawada, the hardest-hit regions following recent devastating Budameru floods. Dr. Sridhar Reddy, chairman of the AP Red Cross, said that the catastrophic floods left lakhs of families stranded, causing severe damage to homes and personal belongings. In response, the AP Red Cross deployed 150 dedicated volunteers to assist in rescue and relief operations, offering basic necessities including water, biscuits, and food to those trapped in waterlogged areas.
Dr Sridhar Reddy explained that to facilitate the rehabilitation process, the organisation conducted a thorough door-to-door survey in New Rajiv Nagar, where they identified approximately 1,100 families, primarily daily labourers, who suffered significant losses. He further explained that on Sunday, relief kits valued at Rs. 10,000 each were distributed to these families at the Red Cross State office in Gandhinagar. Each kit included essential items such as steel utensils, mosquito nets, and woolen blankets to help restore some semblance of normalcy.
Dr Sridhar Reddy emphasised the organisation’s commitment to disaster relief efforts. “We will always be at the forefront of serving victims in times of disaster across the State,” he said. He highlighted that, as part of the ongoing rehabilitation programme, aid worth around Rs 80 lakh is being distributed in New Rajiv Nagar. Looking ahead, plans are in motion to provide tarpaulins and dry ration kits to 1,500 residents in slums and rural areas, many of whom have lost their roofs due to the flooding.
AK Farida, general secretary of AP Red Cross, expressed gratitude to the Indian Red Cross Society, national headquarters, New Delhi, for their rapid response and support in supplying relief materials. He also announced upcoming disaster preparedness awareness programmes, aimed at educating villagers on how to effectively face future calamities through the Youth Red Cross initiative.
Red Cross officials, including Dr C Venkateswara Reddy, treasurer, and district chairpersons Rama Rao, Balaji, Prakash, Shiva Nagendra Reddy, Dasthagiri, Bhadhri Raju, Ravi Prakash, and Ramesh Satyanarayan, were present.