Ensure food for all flood-hit: CM

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday, conducted his third consecutive day of extensive inspections in flood-hit areas of the State. He travelled over 22 km by JCB to reach areas inaccessible by vehicles, beginning his tour at Bhavanipuram. He visited Sitara Centre, Kabela Centre, Jakkampudi, Vambay Colony, Ambapuram, Kandrika, and Nunna Inner Ring Road, where he supervised relief operations and sought to reassure flood victims.
Naidu has been staying at the District Collector’s camp office for the past three days, moving from there to the affected areas. Residents reported some relief on Tuesday as floodwaters receded. The Chief Minister urged all officials to enhance their efforts in providing aid, particularly in Vijayawada, which has been severely impacted by unprecedented rainfall and flooding.
Naidu is conducting surprise inspections and using the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to gather feedback from residents.
“People are facing severe hardships. Snakes and scorpions are entering upper-floor residences. I am receiving reports via IVRS about food shortages. Officials must rise to the occasion and act with humanity,” he stated at a press conference at the NTR District Collectorate.
He has been forwarding IVRS messages, including phone numbers, to officials, encouraging accurate reporting to enable effective action.
IAS officers have been deployed to the ground, and Naidu has ordered officials to ensure food reaches every last affected individual. He warned of strict action against any lapses in relief efforts.
In Vijayawada, where relief vehicles are being overwhelmed, Naidu instructed officials to focus on main centres and expand distribution efforts to every ward secretariat.
According to a government release, recent torrential rains damaged 2,684 km of roadways and affected over 1.8 lakh agricultural fields in 20 districts. As of Tuesday, 323 trains were cancelled, 170 diverted, and 12 partially cancelled. The number of flood-affected individuals has risen to 6.4 lakh, with 190 relief camps established, accommodating 44,041 people.
Five helicopters, including two from the Navy and three from the Air Force, are aiding relief efforts by dropping food and airlifting stranded individuals. They have delivered 4,870 kg of food and rescued 21 people so far.
In Ajit Singh Nagar, residents have begun temporarily vacating their homes due to waterlogging and power outages. One resident reported wading through waist-deep water for two kilometres before reaching Vijayawada railway station. “Many families have left for relatives’ homes locally and elsewhere, fearing a prolonged power outage,” they said. The area has been without power for three days, though water levels are receding.
Amidst the power shortage, residents are struggling to charge mobile phones at the railway station. Complaints have also emerged about private boat operators allegedly extorting flood victims. Hari Krishna, a former police officer now volunteering in Ajit Singh Nagar, criticised these extortionists and noted that officials are overwhelmed with rescue operations and unable to address these issues promptly.
The government is soliciting voluntary food donations at a designated point in Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, Vijayawada.
The India Meteorological Department has reported a cyclonic circulation over coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and nearby areas, with a new low-pressure area expected to form over the Bay of Bengal around September 5. The forecast includes heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, along with strong winds reaching up to 40 km/h in southern regions.