Landslides, floods devastate Vijayawada amid relentless rains • One dead while four others injured

The Capital News 

Heavy rains have unleashed a wave of destruction across Vijayawada, triggering landslides and widespread flooding that have paralyzed the city. In a tragic incident in Mughalrajapuram, several homes were buried under landslides, leaving residents trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams have confirmed one fatality, while four others have been injured. The search for two missing individuals is ongoing as police and emergency personnel work tirelessly to clear the rubble.

The relentless downpour has also caused significant livestock loss, with 30 goats killed in a landslide in Yanamalakuduru, Krishna district. Meanwhile, the city’s infrastructure is struggling to cope with the deluge. Major roads in areas like Vidyadharapuram and RR Nagar are submerged under knee-deep water, severely disrupting traffic and bringing daily life to a standstill. Vijayawada’s district collector has assumed direct control of the situation, overseeing a comprehensive review of the rain-induced crisis from the control room.

The collector has emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent further damage, particularly in vulnerable hilly regions and river catchment areas. Residents in these zones have been advised to remain on high alert, and officials have urged the public to stay indoors until the situation improves. Citywide flooding, traffic chaos The continuous rain has led to severe waterlogging across Vijayawada, turning the city’s streets into rivers. Two-wheelers have been specifically warned to stay off the roads due to the dangerous conditions.

The police have also issued advisories to VVIPs, cautioning them against traveling as all major roads are heavily flooded. In response to the severe flooding, authorities have diverted traffic from national highways to service roads, with heavy vehicles being temporarily stationed at the Pottipadu toll gate and Benz Circle.

The situation on MG Road is particularly critical, with water levels making it nearly impossible for vehicles to navigate from Benz Circle to Auto Nagar. Emergency measures, public safety efforts Emergency crews are working around the clock to pump water out of major intersections using fire engines. In the old town, the overflow of an outfall drain has led to water entering several homes, compounding the residents’ woes.

The National Highway from Nidamanur to Tanksala is completely submerged, further hampering relief efforts. In Eluru district, the situation is equally dire as heavy rain has inundated low-lying areas, with floodwaters encroaching on crop fields in Kaikalur and Kalidindi mandals. The floodwaters are also pouring into Kolleru Lake, threatening surrounding communities.