Heavy Rains Suspend Cargo Handling At Two Kakinada Ports
Heavy rains and turbulent seas have suspended cargo operations at Kakinada Deep Water and Anchorage ports, affecting ships awaiting rice cargo.
Cargo-handling operations have been suspended at the Kakinada Deep Water Port as well as the Anchorage Port due to heavy rains and turbulent sea conditions. Waves are rising up to one metre amid wind speeds of 30 knots.
There are 12 ships waiting at the Anchorage Port to receive their cargoes of rice for export to African countries. Likewise, four ships are awaiting loads at the Kakinada Deep Water Port. Port authorities said, weather permitting, operations are expected to resume by Friday noon.
Waves are surging along the Uppada coast following the rains. U. Kothapalli tahsildar G. Chinnarao said conditions are not severe enough to disrupt traffic. However, seawater has entered a street at Kothapalli. Panchayat officials used pumps to drain the water and restore vehicular movement.
A culvert at Thimmarajupalem has suffered a breach in Nidadavole, while Kaldari, the RTC Bus Stand, Kamsalipalem, and other areas have been inundated, disrupting movement.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan reviewed the situation with district collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad. The collector has directed officials to remain on high alert for the next two days. He sought details of rainfall, low-lying areas, reservoir levels, power and drinking water supplies, crop damage, and fishermen’s safety.
Harendhira Prasad said a special control room has been established to monitor the situation round the clock. He directed officials to monitor low-lying areas, flood-prone villages and colonies, and shift residents to safer locations whenever necessary.
He ordered deployment of dewatering pumps to prevent water stagnation. He asked officials to continuously monitor water levels in the Yeleru, Tandava, Pampa, and Subbareddy Sagar reservoirs and issue advance warnings to downstream residents if required.
Field inspections and assessment of crop loss will be after the rains.
The Rajamahendravaram municipal commissioner inspected the West Railway Station Road and Balajipeta along with municipal officials and reviewed preparedness over the next two to three days. He directed officials to take preventive measures against waterlogging, remain accessible to residents, remove hazardous hoardings, clear fallen trees, and trim dangerous branches.
A control room has been established and people can contact it at 94940-60060 round the clock.
Tourism minister Kandula Durgesh visited Thimmarajupalem, Kotasathemma temple, the bus stand, and other inundated areas.
West Godavari district collector Chadalavada Nagarani visited the low-lying areas in Bhimavaram and surrounding areas. She directed officials to clear water and restore traffic immediately.