Rescue operations stepped up as rains swell Godavari

KAKINADA: Officials mounted a massive search operation on Sunday in heavy rain for survivors in Saturday’s boat tragedy on Saturday evening. Reports said the body of a woman identified as Galla Nagamani was traced on Sunday evening near Komaragiri. The others, said to be students, are still listed missing.

The government deployed a helicopter and 25 boats carrying 220 personnel of the National Disaster Relief Force, the State Disaster Relief Force, police, fire services and the Navy.

Deputy Chief Minister Nimmakayala China Rajappa, collector Karthikeya Misra, superintendent of police Vishal Gunni, Mummidivaram, legislators Datla Subba Raju and Thota Trimurthulu are monitoring the search.

Mr Misra said the Gautami Godavari was in high tide, and the river was swollen due to heavy inflows and the rain caused by a low pressure area in Bay of Bengal made search operations difficult. He said until low tide sets in, the possibility of finding the others was not bright.

The search had extended to the borders of Yanam, the Puducherry enclave. Locals said during the high tide, the bodies of drowning victims float to the Goddess Sathemma Thalli temple. Mr Misra and Mr Gunni visited the area as well.

Mr China Rajappa met with the family members of those listed missing, and the woman whose body was recovered, in Pasuvullanka. He said the family of the woman would be given Rs 5 lakh financial assistance under the Chandranna Bima scheme. The families of the students, if they are declared dead, would get Rs 3 lakh each, he said.

Finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu visited the area and told reporters that the search operations would continue through the night at the Yanam-Yedurlanka Bridge.