Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to implement urgent precautionary measures as heavy rainfall and surging floodwaters threaten the state, particularly in the Krishna River basin. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Andhra Pradesh until August 19, Naidu emphasized vigilant monitoring of sudden flood inflows from streams and rivulets to mitigate risks.
Naidu instructed authorities to issue timely alerts in downstream areas, evacuate low-lying regions, and clear stagnant water to prevent flooding. The Krishna River is expected to see inflows of up to five lakh cusecs by Thursday, with over three lakh cusecs already released through Vijayawada’s Prakasam Barrage and 5,000 cusecs diverted into canals. To optimize water management, Naidu ordered the daily diversion of four TMC of water to the Somasila and Kandaleru projects, reducing wastage into the Bay of Bengal.
Heavy rains in Mylavaram have triggered significant inflows into Budameru and Velagaleru, which are being channeled into the Krishna River. Naidu approved Rs 40 crore for constructing the Budameru–Velagaleru utility to enhance flood management. He also directed the water resources department to clear horseweed and water hyacinth from canals statewide to ensure unobstructed water flow during the monsoon.
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The IMD has issued a dire forecast, predicting “extremely heavy rainfall” in South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) on Wednesday, with “heavy to very heavy rain” expected in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, and Rayalaseema. Strong winds of 50–60 kmph are likely in NCAP, Yanam, and SCAP, with 40–50 kmph winds in Rayalaseema. On August 14, SCAP faces continued heavy rainfall, while NCAP, Yanam, and Rayalaseema expect heavy rain and thunderstorms. From August 15–19, heavy rainfall will persist in NCAP and Yanam, with thunderstorms and strong winds across all regions.
The weather turmoil stems from a low-pressure system over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, coupled with an east-west trough stretching from the Bay of Bengal to the Arabian Sea. Another trough from east Uttar Pradesh to the low-pressure area further fuels the intense weather activity. While a cyclonic circulation over north interior Karnataka has weakened, the Bay of Bengal system continues to drive the region’s severe weather.
As Andhra Pradesh grapples with relentless rains, Naidu’s proactive measures aim to safeguard lives and infrastructure. With flood management efforts in high gear, officials are working round-the-clock to execute the Chief Minister’s directives and mitigate the impact of the ongoing deluge.
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