GVMC sets up 24-hour control room ahead of heavy rains

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg has cautioned that the city may face heavy rainfall in the coming days due to a cyclonic system forming over the Bay of Bengal.

To ensure swift relief and emergency response, the GVMC has activated a 24-hour control room at its head office. Staff will work in three shifts from October 25 to 30. Similar arrangements have been implemented at all zonal offices to maintain rapid coordination.

Residents, especially in hilly and low-lying areas, are urged to remain vigilant. Commissioner Garg advised avoiding electric poles, trees, hoardings, and old structures during heavy rain and strong winds. Motorists are warned to drive cautiously on waterlogged roads.

For emergencies, citizens can contact the GVMC Control Room at 0891-2507225 or the City Operation Centre toll-free at 1800-425-0009. Drainage, electricity, and medical teams are on standby for immediate deployment.

The Commissioner also appealed to the public and traders not to dispose of waste into drains, which could worsen flooding. He warned against relying on unverified social media reports and urged citizens to follow only official GVMC updates.

“The safety of our citizens is our highest priority. Relief and rescue operations will be intensified depending on the severity of rainfall,” he said, emphasizing the need for community cooperation to minimize the storm’s impact.