CM Naidu Reviews Situation Due to Rains With Top Officials, Ministers
Vijayawada:Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday expressed grief over the landslide incident that killed four people. He announced ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each to families of the deceased.
The CM reviewed the situation due to persistent rains in AP with senior officials, including the chief secretary, director general of police, district collectors and superintendents of police, apart from ministers.
Chandrababu Naidu cancelled his scheduled visit to Orvakal in view of the rains and started reviewing the situation due to rains from time to time. He ordered immediate release of ₹3 crore to each district for undertaking urgent relief measures.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that eight people have died due to heavy rains across the state. With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rains on Sunday, September 1, and the cyclonic storm likely to make a landfall late Saturday night, the CM asked every government department to be on full alert. He asked authorities to adhere to the best practices followed during the Hudhud cyclone in 2014.
Chandrababu Naidu appealed to people to move out of their houses only in case of an emergency. He instructed authorities to immediately clear obstructions to water flow at various places in the state using earthmovers and other machinery. He wanted people to be wary of open drains and take the necessary precautionary measures.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that due to encroachment of Budameru, there are problems during floods. The CM asked officials to come up with necessary plans to solve the issue. He asked officials not to allow motorists into flooded areas and streams.
Chandrababu Naidu said the accident on the Kanakadurga Temple ghat road is unfortunate. He sought an explanation from authorities into the incident wherein a car got washed away in the Uppalapadu stream at Pedakakani, killing three people.
The Chief Minister wanted a holiday to be declared for educational institutions in districts, where rains have been heavy. He asked officials to constantly monitor rains and provide alerts to people through WhatsApp messages.
“Even a minor incident cannot be tolerated if it involves negligence by authorities. Officials should stand by the people in times of calamity,” the CM underlined.
