Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region hit hard by El Nino

Amaravati, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region has been significantly affected by the El Nino effect, with moderate to severe rainfall deficit in 11 districts, officials said on Tuesday.

Andhra Pradesh Home and Disaster Management Minister Vangalapudi Anitha reviewed the impact of the Southwest Monsoon and El Nino in the state.

The high-level review meeting was held at the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) headquarters in Tadepalli regarding the rainfall deficit and dry weather conditions in the state.

The meeting noted that Rayalaseema districts are significantly affected by El Nino. Severe rainfall deficit was observed in Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, and Annamayya districts, while moderate rainfall deficit was noted in Kurnool, Nandyal, Chittoor, Kadapa, Prakasam, Markapuram, Nellore, and Tirupati districts

Anitha directed officials to create awareness among farmers regarding alternative crops in drought-prone mandals

The minister comprehensively reviewed issues such as the rainfall deficit and dry spells associated with the current Southwest Monsoon, their impact on the agricultural sector, drinking water availability, drought mitigation measures, and disaster management preparedness.

Officials from various departments and agencies participated in this high-level meeting, including APSDMA MD Prakhar Jain, state police, fire services, army, navy, air force, the NDRF, the SDRF, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Rural Water Supply, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Water Resources, Electricity, Roads & Buildings (R&B), and Civil Supplies.

The minister directed officials to implement effective measures to mitigate the impact of disasters, emphasising that the state government’s goal is to ensure zero loss of life due to disasters

She said special control rooms must be established to operate round-the-clock at both state and district levels

She also asked the departments to prepare plans to evacuate residents from low-lying areas vulnerable to floods. Measures must be taken to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, and medical services at rehabilitation centres.

There should be no disruption to essential services such as drinking water and electricity supply, she said and asked the police, fire, NDRF, and APSDRF teams to remain ready for emergency response.

Source: IANS