Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu Reviews Flood Crisis in North Coastal Districts, Announces Rs 4 Lakh Aid for Victims

Amaravati, October 3, 2025 – Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an urgent review meeting with officials and district administrations to assess the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in the northern coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam. Despite the rains subsiding today, authorities reported that rivers continue to swell due to upstream inflows from Odisha, raising concerns of flash floods in vulnerable areas.

In a statement shared on X, Naidu detailed his inquiries into the current conditions, emphasizing the need for swift humanitarian action. The floods, triggered by a cyclonic storm that crossed the Odisha coast, have claimed four lives—one each in Visakhapatnam and Parvathipuram Manyam, and two in Srikakulam—due to rain-related accidents and inundation. Naidu directed immediate disbursement of Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to each affected family, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting the bereaved.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to prioritize restoration of damaged roads and power infrastructure, which have been severely impacted across the regions. He also mandated a comprehensive assessment of crop losses to ensure timely assistance for farmers, many of whom face devastation in low-lying agricultural fields. “Work quickly from a humanitarian perspective to ease the people’s hardships during these disasters,” Naidu urged, highlighting the urgency amid red alerts for extremely heavy rainfall in Srikakulam, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Vizianagaram.

Inflows into key barrages like Gotta (1.89 lakh cusecs) and Thotapalli (44,000 cusecs) remain high, prompting heightened vigilance. Home Minister V. Anitha also convened a separate review with district collectors, focusing on rivers Nagavali and Vamsadhara. Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu, hailing from Srikakulam, echoed calls for emergency preparedness.

This response follows a deep depression that intensified rainfall, with orange alerts for Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has urged residents to stay alert and use helplines for assistance. As recovery efforts ramp up, Naidu’s directives aim to mitigate further damage and provide rapid relief in the flood-hit zones.