Tirupati District Faces Heavy Rains: Authorities Race to Combat Flooding Crisis

Tirupati district is currently grappling with the impact of heavy rains attributed to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, which has significantly disrupted everyday life. Starting late Wednesday night and persisting into Thursday, the relentless downpour has led to substantial inflows into local dams and minor irrigation tanks, raising concerns for residents and authorities alike. The severity of the rainfall has resulted in water levels on causeways across several mandals rising above danger levels, while floodwaters have inundated roads, particularly in Srikalahasti, where vehicular traffic has been severely affected. Many villages, particularly in the Satyavedu constituency, have become isolated due to the relentless rains, cutting them off from essential access to the outside world. In response to the growing crisis, irrigation authorities took proactive measures by opening six gates of the Kalangi reservoir, while the Araniyar medium irrigation project is rapidly approaching full capacity due to the continuous rainfall in the upper reaches of the region. These actions underscore the urgency with which local authorities are striving to mitigate potential flooding. Srikalahasti MLA, Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, has been actively involved in assessing the damage, visiting various rain-affected areas, and urging officials to implement immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for those impacted. His calls for action emphasize the importance of timely responses to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. In a parallel effort, District Superintendent of Police L. Subba Rayudu has issued alerts to police forces in the mandals, instructing them to monitor low-lying areas, riverbanks, causeways, and under-bridge locations closely. As water levels continue to rise, traffic has been diverted in multiple locations to prevent accidents, and posts have been established at river points to oversee the situation. The municipal authorities are also taking steps to provide humanitarian assistance. The Tirupati Municipal Corporation has set up 17 rehabilitation centers throughout the district, including locations such as Korramenugunta, Kothapalli, and Madhuranagar. These centers are intended to offer shelter to residents from low-lying areas who are at risk of flooding. Municipal Commissioner Narapureddy Mourya has been actively inspecting affected localities such as Korramenugunta and Auto Nagar, encouraging residents in vulnerable positions to relocate to the established rehabilitation centers, especially with forecasts indicating that the rains may persist for at least another two days. As the district faces this challenging weather pattern, the focus remains firmly on ensuring safety, providing necessary aid, and preparing for continued rainfall in the days ahead. Authorities are working diligently to coordinate efforts that protect the community and aid those in need during this turbulent time.