Indian Navy Helicopters Deployed for Flood Rescue Operations in Khammam, Telangana
Two helicopters from the Indian Navy are en route to Khammam town in Telangana to rescue residents trapped by severe flooding, as heavy rains continue to batter the region. The overflowing Munneru River, a tributary of the Krishna River, has inundated several residential areas, claiming nine lives so far.
The helicopters, dispatched from Visakhapatnam, are being flown to Khammam to assist in rescuing people, including those who have sought refuge on rooftops. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who is overseeing the rescue efforts in Khammam, contacted senior Indian Navy officials to request helicopter support.
Irrigation Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, representing Khammam district, also reached out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, seeking additional assistance for the rescue operations.
The unprecedented flooding of the Munneru River has submerged about 15 colonies in Khammam town, including Rajiv Gruhakalapa, Venkateshwar Nagar, Moti Nagar, and Bokkalagadda. As water levels rose rapidly, residents of these areas found themselves stranded, with some climbing onto rooftops to escape the deluge.
The Munneru River, which flows through Khammam town, has seen extraordinary flooding due to substantial inflows from heavy rainfall in its catchment area. Tragically, two individuals who were caught in the floods at Paleru vagu were swept away.
Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy became visibly emotional during a news conference upon learning of a couple washed away in his constituency, Paleru. Despite efforts to save them, Yaqoob and his wife Saeeda, brick kiln workers, perished when the walls of the house they had taken refuge on collapsed. Their son, Shareef, was rescued by emergency workers.
Minister Reddy reported that nine people had died in rain-related incidents by 1 p.m. Given the forecast of continued heavy rainfall until Monday, district Collectors and police officials have been instructed to remain vigilant to prevent further loss of life and property. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for 11 districts and an orange alert for others, prompting authorities to declare a holiday for educational institutions.
Minister Reddy assured the public that the government is taking all necessary measures to manage the crisis and urged people not to panic. He reviewed the situation with Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari and Director General of Police Jitender.
The Revenue Minister noted that Mahabubabad, Mulugu, Suryapet, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Khammam districts have been significantly impacted by the ongoing rains and floods. With more rain anticipated, the government has canceled leave for all officials and directed them to report to duty immediately to support ongoing rescue and relief operations.
