Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy orders rapid assessment of cyclone damage

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy has directed officials to assess the damage caused to crops, roads, irrigation facilities, and electricity infrastructure in the undivided Khammam district on a war footing, following heavy rains triggered by Cyclone Murasu.

The Minister issued these instructions during a review meeting held on Thursday at Sathupally in Khammam district with officials from Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts. He specifically ordered the district collectors to present detailed estimates of cyclone-related losses to the government within the next two to three days.

Prior to the meeting, Minister Srinivas Reddy visited rain-affected areas of Sathupally and Aswaraopet mandals along with local MLAs and officials. He praised the coordinated efforts of the district administration and other departments in preventing loss of life during the heavy rains in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts over the last two days.

The Minister particularly appreciated the work of the NDRF and SDRF teams for rescuing fishermen and rescuers stranded at Bethupalli Peddecheruvu in Sathupally mandal. He noted that the rescue teams utilised mobile phone lights and mobile-tracking technology to locate and rescue people trapped in floodwaters.

Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated that the state government has strengthened the SDRF by training approximately 1,900 selected personnel from the police and fire service departments. Modern rescue equipment has been provided at a cost of approximately ₹260 crore to ₹270 crore. Additionally, he assured that eligible SDRF personnel who do not own a home would be sanctioned Indiramma houses.

During the review meeting, officials informed the Minister that heavy rains caused by the cyclone have led to cracks in several small irrigation tanks in Aswaraopet, Damma peta, Mulakalapally, Sathupally, and other mandals of the undivided Khammam district. Furthermore, significant damage has been caused to standing crops, roads, and irrigation infrastructure.

According to a report by The Hindu, the Minister emphasised the need for rapid relief in all affected areas and the procurement of accurate damage figures so that the government can proceed with further action.