Heavy rainfall for the past three days in neighbouring Odisha has resulted in flash floods in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh.  

The overflowing of Nagavali and Kalyani rivers has resulted in the flooding. Authorities are engaged in rescue and relief operations since Sunday. 

One Indian Air Force helicopter has been pressed into service, while three more helicopters have been deployed to rescue villagers stuck in flooded areas.

One platoon each of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Force are also on the ground.

“No casualties have been reported so far as people have been flown away from flood prone areas due to the alertness of the departments concerned,” Srikakulam District Collector told The News Minute. 

The District Revenue Office of Vizianagaram district confirmed that an intra-departmental review meeting was held between officials of Police, Revenue and Health departments.

Road and rail services have been badly affected in the area.

The floods have resulted in the inundation of NH 16 at Komarada in Vizianagaram district, and railway bridge No. 588 between Singapuram Road–Therubali railway stations. 

Eight gates of the Thotapalli reservoir were also lifted in order to minimise damage to crops.

Meanwhile, the situation in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Odisha continues to remain grim, with at least one person reported dead as a result of the floods. A red alert has been issued. 

Food packets and medicines were airdropped by IAF personnel in flooded areas.

Wind speeds are likely to be around 50-55km per hour, making rescue and relief operations difficult.

A total of 300 people were taken to safety from Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts till Monday morning.

The situation is unlikely to improve in the next 24 hours with the IMD forecasting continuous rainfall in the region.