Flood Hits Andhra, Ravages Villages and Homes

Severe flooding has had a major impact on Amaravati, the new capital of Andhra Pradesh, as heavy rains have submerged 25 out of its 29 villages. The greatest devastation in Kolluru region on the bank of the river Krishna, worse yet in the city of Vijayawada.

On August 31, the Amaravati weather station reported a record-breaking 11 inches of rainfall in a day, a figure unprecedented in the last ten years, according to the Andhra Pradesh State Development Planning Society.

Below are a few images illustrating the severity of the devastation caused by the flood.

The death toll has risen to 56 and climbing in Andhra. Agriculture crops suffered severe damage affecting 218,000 farmers in 16 districts. Nearly 650,000 people were affected in the heavy rains and floods. Families are experiencing severe challenges in accessing safe drinking water and food.

Numerous local philanthropists are stepping in to assist them during these tough times. SFIRD handed out bottled water and biscuits (crackers) to 400 families as a first step towards the relief efforts wherever dry land was available.

8 out of 20 Yenadi families in Naidupet, our target group, were displaced and were moved to the nearby Jindal Shelter (where the medical camp was held) and at Ambedkar Nagar.

RH and SFIRD are collaborating to address the urgent requirements of the individuals in Naidupet.

The next things to keep in mind is that following a flood of this scale, there is potential threat of water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases stemming from stagnant water, clogged drains, and contaminated drinking water. Please keep these people in your thoughts, that they will be kept safe from these diseases and also for the first responders of SFIRD.

RH & SFIRD will strategize and prioritize the immediate needs of the people and take the necessary steps to deliver food, fresh water, blankets, and other necessities as the need arises.

More information will be provided in the following weeks; contingency plans have been put in place.