Chief Secretary oversees flood relief operations in Bhadradri Kothagudem

HYDERABAD: Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari held a teleconference today with District Collector Bhadradri Kothagudem, SP, and senior officials of the Irrigation Department from the Secretariat.

The meeting focused on relief and rehabilitation measures following the large-scale flooding of Ashwaraopet Peddavagu, which trapped farmers in the downstream villages.

During the teleconference, the Chief Secretary emphasised that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had issued clear instructions to ensure no loss of life under any circumstances. District Collector Jitesh reported that 28 people trapped in agricultural lands were immediately rescued by the revenue and disaster management teams with the help of two helicopters. Efforts are ongoing to move 20 more people to safety. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and state rescue teams remain actively engaged in relief and rehabilitation activities.

Collector Jitesh further stated that the relocation of residents from Gummadivelli, Koyagudem, Kothur, and Gajulapalli villages to relief camps will continue.

Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari assured that the people's lives are paramount and that Hyderabad will provide any assistance needed for relief and rehabilitation programs. She advised the district administration to take early measures to prevent the overflow of ponds and dams in surrounding villages.

Director General of Police Jitender informed that the police force had been ordered to participate in relief activities due to heavy rains and floods. Secretary of the Irrigation Department, Rahul Bojja, explained that the gates had to be lifted due to the sudden influx of 40,000 cusecs of water caused by heavy rains, and the flood situation has now stabilised. He noted that the Chief Engineer and other senior officials are on their way to the affected areas.

DGP Jitender, Director General of the Disaster Management Department, and Secretary Rahul Bojja also participated in the teleconference.