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Main rail, road routes cut off in Andhra Pradesh due to floods

November 21, 2021 17:16 IST

The main rail and road routes in Andhra Pradesh, connecting the south and east, remained cut off as the Penna river in spate caused heavy destruction on Sunday.

IMAGE: Indian Navy conducts an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, November 20, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Chennai-Kolkata National Highway-16 had to be closed down for traffic in SPS Nellore district following a heavy breach of road at Padugupadu.

At least 17 express trains were cancelled on the Chennai-Vijayawada grand trunk route as the flood overflowed on the railway track at Padugupadu.

Three other trains were partially cancelled or diverted.

The State Disaster Management Authority said more than two lakh cusecs of floodwater flowed out of the Somasila reservoir in SPS Nellore district, leading to the deluge.

This caused breach of the National Highway-16 at Kovuru as well.

IMAGE: An Indian Navy helicopter airdropping meals and water bottles in flood-affected areas of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh, November 20, 21. Photograph: ANI Photo

Consequently, traffic on the NH-16 between Nellore and Vijayawada has been suspended, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for kilometers on either side.

Hundreds of passengers were stuck in the Nellore RTC bus station as bus services were disrupted.

Vehicular traffic coming from Srikalahasti has been stopped at Tottembedu check post and diverted via Pamuru and Darsi, officials said.

IMAGE: People receiving meals and water bottles during a relief operation by Indian Navy in Kadapa, November 21, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo

In Kadapa district, a bridge on the river Papagni collapsed at Kamalapuram, cutting off road communication between Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts.

Floodwater gushing out from the Veligallu reservoir led to the bridge collapse, officials said.

In Kadapa city, a three-storied building collapsed in the wee hours of Sunday, but no casualties were reported as the inmates ran out to safety just minutes before the incident.

IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy conducts an aerial survey of flood-affected areas, in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, November 21, 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo

A mother and child, who were trapped on the second floor, were rescued by police and fire services personnel.

Rahul urges Congress workers to help flood-hit people

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in floods in Andhra Pradesh and urged party workers to extend all possible help to those affected.

"Floods have been causing serious damage in Andhra Pradesh. My condolence to those who've lost loved ones," Gandhi said on Twitter.

"Dear Congress workers, please help in all ways possible," he also said.

Floods have caused extensive damage in Andhra Pradesh.

At least 25 people have been killed and 17 others were reported missing in rain-related incidents in Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts since Friday.