Flood-hit farmers pick up the pieces in Guntur

With the Cyclone Montha-induced rains submerging fields, damaging crops and clogging canals, farmers in parts of Guntur district are staring at massive losses. Cotton and chilli crops in Prathipadu mandal were particularly devastated, with cultivators fearing total loss. They also complained of poor canal maintenance and shortage of urea, which, they said, worsened their woes.

District Collector A. Thameem Ansariya on Wednesday (October 29) toured the affected areas, including Prathipadu, Pedanandipadu and Kakumanu mandals, to assess the situation. She inspected the flow of water at Kondaveedu valley stream, ongoing canal desilting works, and relief camps set up at Zilla Parishad High Schools in Prathipadu and Pedanandipadu.

Crossing the flooded Nakkalavagu and Mekalavagu streams on a tractor, the Collector reached Varagani and Nandipadu to meet local residents and farmers. She directed officials to speed up post-cyclone relief measures and ensure sanitation in all affected villages.

Speaking to the media, the Collector said crop damage assessments would be completed within two days. She added that 5,000 quintals of urea were available in the district, electricity restoration was in progress, and 84 fallen trees were being cleared from roads. Over 9,000 people are currently sheltered in 153 relief centres, where essential supplies are being distributed as per the Chief Minister’s orders.