16 killed, over 4.5 lakh people evacuated in flood-hit Andhra

Sixteen people were killed and over 4.5 lakh people evacuated after massive floods inundated parts of Andhra Pradesh as the state government stepped up relief and rescue efforts with the help of 550 army personnel.

Though the number of deaths due to the floods is 16, the toll is likely to increase further, Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao said here today.

Rescue personnel evacuated 1.5 lakh people in Kurnool district, 1.34 lakh people in Mahaboobnagar district, 15,000 people in Krishna district and 5,000 flood victims in Guntur district.

About 105 relief camps have been started in the districts of Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar, Krishna, Guntur and Nalgonda to help those affected by the floods, Rao said.

Though the water level in the three worst-hit districts of Kurnool, Mahaboobnagar and Krishna has receded slightly, there is a need to stay on alert, he said.

Chief Minister K Rosaiah said earlier in the day that the flood situation in Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh has improved with water levels receding.

Massive rescue and relief operation are being organised in the affected areas with seven helicopters, 550 army personnel and 165 personnel of National Disaster Response Force, 48 boats of (NDRF) and 90 boats of various agencies have been pressed into service.