As relentless heavy rains and widespread flooding hit Nellore and Ongole, the local municipal authorities have quickly activated extensive relief efforts to address the immediate challenges faced by residents. Municipal commissioners personally visited the inundated areas on Thursday morning to oversee the response.
The Ongole Municipal Corporation (OMC) has established a specialized quick response team, consisting of 25 dedicated members, tasked with tackling urgent issues stemming from the cyclone and subsequent flooding. Similarly, the Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) has mobilized its sanitation personnel to manage and clear debris and waterlogging resulting from the heavy rainfall.
OMC Commissioner K. Venkateswara Rao confirmed that the quick response team would operate 24/7, tirelessly working to clear fallen trees and resolve drainage problems throughout the city until the severe weather conditions ease.
He assured the public that the team is fully equipped with essential machinery, including two JCB machines and four power saws, to effectively address various challenges. Residents needing assistance are encouraged to reach out via the dedicated helpline number, 08592227766.
The Commissioner also issued a strong advisory, urging citizens to prepare for continued heavy rainfall. He stressed the importance of immediately evacuating unsafe areas, particularly old or structurally vulnerable buildings, to prevent potential loss of life. Furthermore, he advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, prioritizing safety above all else.
Across Prakasam district, Superintendent of Police (SP) Harshavardhan Raju has put police officials on high alert. They are utilizing drone cameras to pinpoint flooded streams, rivers, and low-lying areas, coordinating closely with Revenue, Health, and other essential departments for a synchronized response.
Drone surveillance has already identified severe overflowing of floodwaters in 18 locations within low-lying areas, streams, and ponds. These include Ongole, Santanutalapadu, Maddipadu, N.G. Padu, Tanguturu, Mundlamuru, Pamuru, Markapuram Town, Cumbum, Giddaluru, and Racharla.
In addition to surveillance, police patrols have been dispatched to another 18 critical locations. To mitigate risks and prevent accidents, officers have reportedly installed barbed wire fences in areas where water levels have surpassed dangerous thresholds.
Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) Commissioner Y.O. Nandan personally supervised the floodwater situation on GNT Road and in Wahabpet. He issued strict directives to sanitation teams to thoroughly clear all encroachments, debris, and waste from roads, ensuring cleanliness. Furthermore, Mr. Nandan instructed them to implement all necessary measures to prevent rainwater stagnation on main roads and in drainage systems, ordering the removal of any ramps or structures obstructing natural water flow.
In a decisive move, the Commissioner mandated a hefty fine of ₹10,000 on the Swami Milk Dairy shop for its complete encroachment of drainage channels. He also issued a stern warning to the public against any construction activities that obstruct public drainage systems.