Guntur Collector Crosses Overflowing Stream on Tractor to Reach Flood-Hit Villages

Vijayawada: In a remarkable show of dedication, Guntur district collector A. Thamim Ansaria rode a tractor along an overflowing stream in Varagani village to reach flood-hit areas and interact with affected residents. He toured several cyclone-affected areas in Prattipadu, Pedanandipadu and Kakumanu mandals on Wednesday to assess the post-cyclone situation.

As the stream in Varagani flows dangerously high, road connectivity to flood-affected settlements has been completely cut off. Locals informed the collector that only tractors could pass through the water flow, encouraging him to travel by tractor to inspect the affected areas first-hand. The villagers expressed their appreciation for the collector’s courage and informed him about the difficulties they experienced. Thamim Ansaria assured them that their complaints would be addressed immediately.

The Collector inspected the Kondaveedu Valley river at Prattipadu and inspected desilting works in irrigation canals. He also visited the rehabilitation center established at Zilla Parishad High School and received information about the opportunities provided to displaced families. He later inspected Nakkalavagu and Mekalavagu streams with a tractor and inspected flood management works near the Nandipadu-Nallavagu bridge.

During his visit to Pedanandipadu rehabilitation centre, the collector interacted with farmers who reported severe crop loss, especially in cotton and pepper fields. Farmers also expressed concern over limited urea availability. They complained that the canals along the R&B roads had not been cleaned for years, causing waterlogging and submergence of the roads. They urged authorities to deepen Nakkalavagu and Mekalavagu to prevent recurring flooding and transport disruptions.

Speaking to the media, Thamim Ansaria said that the crop loss assessment will be completed within two days and all post-cyclone relief efforts have been expedited. He instructed officials to ensure proper sanitation and constant monitoring of the crossings while power restoration continues.

The collector added that 84 uprooted trees were cleared and no untoward incident was reported. He said that 9 thousand people were accommodated in 153 rehabilitation centers and basic aid kits were prepared. He stated that the government has imposed sanctions of up to Rs 1,000 per person and Rs 3,000 per family to those staying in the camps.