CM Naidu Orders High Alert Amid Heavy Rains in Andhra

Vijayawada:Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday directed officials to be on high alert and extend all necessary help to people in the wake of heavy rains lashing several parts in north coastal Andhra districts.

Officials briefed the CM at the Chief Minister’s Office with regard to the latest developments following the heavy rains. They informed the CM about the precautionary measures district collectors have initiated in their areas and their preparedness to meet any exigencies.

Officials informed that schools have been closed in areas where the impact of rains has been severe. When officials told Chandrababu Naidu about the damage caused to crops in certain rain-hit areas, he directed them to extend all requisite help to the affected farmers and take up enumeration of damage.

The Chief Minister directed officials to keep on alerting farmers with regard to heavy rains, so that they can take measures to protect their crops.

Based on directives of the CM, AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has contacted the agricultural department, asking it to issue advisories to farmers on protecting their harvested paddy crop. Accordingly, the harvested paddy is being covered with tarpaulin sheets, so that it does not get drenched.

APSDMA managing director Ronanki Kurmanath said, “As per directives of the Chief Minister, we are keeping a close watch on the impact of rainfall mainly on agriculture crops. We have so far not received any reports of rainfall affecting infrastructure like roads and water bodies inundating agriculture fields.”