Hyderabad: Hundreds of villages in flood-hit Andhra Pradesh remained marooned yesterday with the Godavari river flowing above the danger mark, officials said.
Incessant rains in north Telangana districts over the past five days triggered floods in the Godavari, which is flowing above the danger mark both at Bhadrachalam in Khammam district and at Dhowaleswaram in East Godavari district.
The heavy rains brought by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and the floods have so far claimed 12 lives, disrupted road transport and damaged crops over thousands of acres in six districts.
More than 20,000 people from marooned areas have been shifted to 100 relief camps.
Two Indian Air Force helicopters were pressed into service for rescue and relief operations in Khammam district. Packets of food and water are being dropped in dozens of marooned villages.
The Godavari’s level at Bhadrachalam has crossed 60 feet.
Union minister of state Balram Naik, along with state minister Ramreddy Venkat Reddy, made an aerial survey of Bhadrachalam.
Several villages in Konavaram mandal of Khammam district have lost contact with the outside world. About 2,000 people have been moved to relief camps and safe places.
Dozens of villages in East Godavari and West Godavari districts have been flooded. Officials said 1,300 people were shifted to safe places.
Four people were missing in East Godavari district after their boat capsized in a stream.
IANS
