Flooding intensifies in Srikakulam district; North Andhra in restoration mode after heavy rains

The North Coastal Andhra Pradesh region shifted into restoration mode on Friday after the deep depression that crossed the coast near Kalingapatnam brought heavy rain, strong winds and widespread disruptions of public life across the region.

While flood fears continued to mount in Srikakulam, restoration and road-clearing operations gathered pace in Visakhapatnam and other affected areas.

The situation remained particularly critical in Srikakulam, where heavy inflows into the Nagavali, Vamsadhara and Bahuda rivers triggered flooding in low-lying areas. Nearly 30,000 acres of agricultural land and more than 12,000 people in vulnerable habitations were flooded, with authorities evacuating residents from low-lying areas as water levels rose.

The situation worsened due to substantial inflows from the upper catchments in neighbouring Odisha. The Srikakulam district administration remained on high alert. Officials in vulnerable mandals were instructed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance and take precautionary measures. State disaster response teams were deployed in affected areas.