Vijayawada: The relentless rains continue to wreak havoc in Andhra Pradesh, claiming the lives of seven individuals in Guntur and Vijayawada. Four people tragically lost their lives in a landslide in Mogalipuram, Vijayawada, while three others perished in Guntur due to flood-related incidents. The heavy downpours have triggered landslides, submerged roads, and brought normal life to a standstill in these regions.
In a heart-wrenching incident in Vijayawada, stones dislodged by landslides crashed onto several houses, causing the deaths of Meghna, Annapurna, Bolem Laxmi, and Lalu. The Vijayawada bus stand was also submerged, with many buses at Pandit Nehru bus stand rendered inoperable, further disrupting traffic and travel.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. He has announced a government aid package, including a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to each bereaved family.
The devastation extended to Guntur district, where three individuals lost their lives after their car was swept away by floodwaters in Uppalapadu village. The victims have been identified as Raghavendra, a teacher, and two students, Satwik and Manik. Minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock and sorrow at the tragedy, pledging state support to the affected families.
As the region grapples with these tragedies, a severe depression over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm. This storm is currently moving northwestwards at a speed of 10 kmph along the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. It is expected to make landfall near Kalingapatnam between Visakhapatnam and the south Odisha coast by Saturday midnight, bringing with it the likelihood of further heavy rains in the area.
The monsoon trough, extending from the cyclonic centre over the northwest Arabian Sea to Kalingapatnam and beyond, indicates that the region may face more adverse weather in the coming hours. Authorities are on high alert, and residents are advised to stay indoors and take necessary precautions.
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