Flash floods leave AP-Odisha border villages inundated, traffic on NH-16 disrupted

Thousands of people living in the Andhra Pradesh- Odisha border villages of Ichchapuram and neighboring areas are coping with the misery caused by flash floods. Low-lying regions were overwhelmed by water from the Bahuda river and seasonal streams following the release of a large volume of water from the Baghalati Dam in Odisha’s Ganjam district. This inundation disrupted traffic on National Highway-16, a crucial route connecting Chennai and Kolkata.

Odisha irrigation officials had informed their Andhra Pradesh counterparts before releasing approximately 86,000 cusecs of water from the dam on Thursday afternoon. However, Srikakulam district administration’s evacuation efforts came too late, with the process completed only late at night. Power outages and limited internet connectivity further exacerbated residents’ difficulties as they were unable to contact officials in a timely manner.

Tarunraj, an advocate from Ichchapuram, expressed that villagers were shocked by the sudden night-time surge of floodwater, rendering them unable to seek help. Former Ichchapuram MLA Piriya Sairaj accused the government of failing to provide adequate relief measures. Sanapala Annaji Rao, president of the Srikakulam District Congress Committee, blamed the government for inadequate coordination with the Odisha administration, which could have prevented the inundation.

The Indian Red Cross Society and special teams were dispatched to the region to aid the affected residents. Srikakulam District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar assured that normalcy would return within a day, as water levels were receding rapidly. He also mentioned that food packets were being distributed to all affected residents, and special teams with boats were navigating the inundated areas.

The Indian Red Cross Society Srikakulam district chairman, P. Jagan Mohana Rao, stated that IRCS teams would camp in the villages, providing medical and volunteer support in collaboration with the district administration.