Cyclone Arnab caused heavy rains in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, cutting off many tribal hamlets as streams overflowed. Landslides hit ghat roads, forcing the closure of the Ananthagiri route. District Collector T. Nishanthi declared a holiday for schools on Thursday. Officials advised residents to shift to safer locations amid rising water.
Streams in Alluri Sitharama Raju district have swollen due to torrential rains from Cyclone Arnab, cutting off several tribal hamlets in Humkumpeta, Ananthagiri, Paderu, Koyyuru and other mandals in the district.
With increased rainfall and flooding from upstream areas expected on Thursday, the situation is likely to worsen. ASR District Collector T. Nishanthi declared a holiday for all educational institutions in the district as a precautionary measure.
Landslides reported
Several landslides were reported in Koyyuru and Ananthagiri mandals. Ananthagiri ghat road towards Araku, beyond B.S. Puram village under Egushobha panchayat, has been temporarily closed following landslides and the risk of further slides and falling trees.
District Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar advised commuters to use the Paderu Ghat Road as an alternative route until further notice. He also inspected flood-prone areas near the Matsyapuram culvert and directed officials to take precautionary measures, while advising residents of vulnerable areas to remain alert and shift to safer locations as instructed.
ITDA Project Officer Aditya Varma inspected landslide-prone stretches along the Chintalamma Ghat in Koyyuru mandal and directed officials to expedite restoration works once the rain and winds subside.
Mr. Varma asked National Highway-516E officials to take precautionary measures to protect vulnerable stretches and instructed revenue, police, Panchayat Raj and highway officials to coordinate emergency response and prevent accidents.
Meanwhile, heavy rain damaged the boundary wall of Chaparai waterfall. All waterfalls were shut down due to rising water levels.