19 people stranded in floodwaters at Aswaraopet flown to safety in helicopters
With the gates of the Peddavagu being lifted due to swelling water-level in River Godavari in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, floodwaters gushed downstream to Narayanapuram
Kothagudem: Nineteen people including labourers and shepherds, stranded at a temple in Narayanapuram of Ashwaraopet in flood waters of Peddavagu project, were rescued by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) of Andhra Pradesh.
Three gates of Peddavagu project at Gummadavalli were opened by the irrigation officials without prior notice resulting in the sudden submergence of low-lying areas.
The 19 people, stranded at Katta Maisamma temple of Narayanapuram, saved themselves by climbing trees.
On learning of the incident, revenue and disaster management minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy spoke with Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) officials and sought measures to rescue the stranded eprsons.
As the location was close to Andhra Pradesh, he also telephoned AP Chief Secretary Neerab Kumar Prasad.
He directed district collector and superintendent of police to personally supervise the rescue operation. He also directed officials to evacuate people in low-lying areas and shift them to flood shelters.
An NDRF team from AP rushed to the place and rescued the stranded persons with two helicopters.