Rain brings relief to Vizag water sources

Widespread rain under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has brought relief to the city’s depleted water sources, with Visakhapatnam recording an average of 332.7 mm of rainfall between September 21 and 24.

Visakhapatnam (Rural) received the highest rainfall at 426 mm, followed by Seethammadhara with 398 mm. Mulagada, Maharanipeta, Gopalapatnam, Pedagantyada, and Pendurthi recorded over 350 mm each.

The rain has improved inflows into water bodies and reservoirs around the city. Its impact on groundwater levels and reservoir storage will become clearer over the next few days as rainwater percolates into the ground and inflows are assessed.

No major agricultural losses were reported, though horticultural crop damage was reported in Anandapuram and Bheemunipatnam mandals. Thirteen government schools were also damaged, including 11 in Bheemunipatnam.

Meanwhile, the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) intensified relief and restoration work. Commissioner Ketan Garg said 187 rain-related incidents had been reported within the civic limits, of which 180 had been attended to.

Seven houses were completely damaged and 11 partially damaged. Inundation affected 12 houses and two apartment complexes, prompting the evacuation of 85 families, comprising 284 people, to 56 rehabilitation centres. Chlorination, water-quality testing, and sanitation measures were taken up in affected areas.

Strong winds uprooted 122 trees, including 38 in the East Zone. About 11.5 km of GVMC roads was damaged, while 18 major waterlogging points and 17 drain-overflow incidents were reported, particularly in Madhurawada and the South Zone.

The City Operations Centre functioned round-the-clock, coordinating complaints and monitoring their resolution. With the weather easing, GVMC teams continued clearing waterlogged roads, removing fallen trees and debris, and restoring damaged infrastructure.