Heavy rains pound coastal mandals of Tirupati district

The entire coastal belt of Tirupati district received higher rainfall compared to the inland areas due to the effect of Cyclone Montha on Tuesday. While the entire district received 4.5 mm on Monday, heavy rains pounded the coastal mandals of Ozili, Doravari Satram, Vakadu, Kota, Satyavedu, Sullurpeta, Gudur and Chittamuru.

Gudur received the highest rainfall of 63.6 mm by 6 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by Chillakur (47), Kota (46.4), Ozili (45) and Vakadu (44). Pakala, the farthest from the coast, meanwhile, received the lowest rainfall of 8 mm, followed by Chandragiri (11) and Pichatur (11.2) and Chinnagottigallu (11.8).

Collector S. Venkateswar, District Special Officer Arun Babu and Superintendent of Police (SP) L. Subbarayudu visited the coastal areas to monitor the situation. The team inspected the inundated crops, overflowing causeways, water bodies up to their brim and the high tides at Thupilipalem beach.

Mr. Venkateswar appealed to the public to not walk along the causeway when it was overflowing or move closer to water tanks that could suffer a breach, recalling the mishaps witnessed in the region in the past.

The Revenue and police teams were parked at the water bodies, while sand bags have been arranged as a reinforcement measure, should the tank bunds get breached.

“The government accords top priority to prevent loss of lives and minimise loss of property due to the cyclone and the administration is in a state of preparedness,” Mr. Venkateswar announced to the media.

In the wake of fake alerts and messages making rounds on social media, the Collector warned the internet users not to spread panic and, in the same vein, appealed to the public to believe only in official information released by the government.

Special Officer Arun Babu expressed hope that the State would stand firm and brace itself in such a time. He specifically cautioned Irrigation officials to monitor the water level in tanks and reservoirs and take measures to prevent breaches.

Mr. Subbarayudu asked the public to stay indoors and venture out only in case of emergencies. Revenue Divisional Officer (Srikalahasti) Bhanuprakash Reddy, Superintending Engineer (Irrigation) Radha Krishna and other officials took part.