Normal life hit in Vizag, low-lying areas flooded

Visakhapatnam: Normal life was affected in Visakhapatnam city following heavy rains in the region due to the severe cyclonic storm, Michaung, that crossed the AP coast on Tuesday afternoon.

Most of the people remained indoors and the roads were deserted due to the water logging in low-lying areas. The worst- affected were Poorna Market, Velampeta, the Prasad Gardens and Gnanapuram, all in the old town area.

People were seen wading through knee- deep water to purchase essential commodities.

The city received 6 to 7 cm of rainfall daily due to the cyclone, according to the IMD reports.

GVMC officials alerted the people not to go near the storm drains. A five-member rapid response force with machinery, led by a ward sanitary inspector, has been deployed in all the 98 wards to ensure smooth flow of rainwater and eliminate the possibility of flooding due to waterlogging in the canals and roads.

Chief medical officer of the GVMC public health department Dr. Naresh Kumar said teams were sent to spray bleaching powder to prevent seasonal diseases.

The city has reported over a thousand dengue cases and a few malaria infections.

There was worry over landslides as many houses were constructed on hillocks. Following the 2005 incident that killed five people when boulders crashed on their hut, the GVMC had built retaining walls in many places.

“All the zonal commissioners were instructed to clear the drains and if necessary use motor pumps to flush out the water. Bleaching powder and other disinfectant sprays will be used after the areas dry up,’’ said Mayor Hari Kumari.