25 killed, over 50 missing as flash floods ravage Andhra Pradesh

Amaravati: The death toll due to heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh increased to at least 25 on Sunday, with over 50 missing as raging floods continued to wreak havoc in more than 1,316 villages in the state.

Heavy rains in India between November 17-19—the highest in 30 years—has inundated low-lying areas, causing loss of lives and properties.

Following the disastrous floods, the main rail and road routes in Andhra Pradesh, remained cut off as the Penna River in spate caused heavy destruction on Sunday.

At least 17 Express trains were cancelled on the Chennai-Vijayawada grand trunk route as the flood overflowed on the railway track at Padugupadu.

Three other trains were partially cancelled or diverted.

According to State Disaster Management Authority, more than two lakh cusecs of floodwater flowed out of the Somasila reservoir in SPS Nellore district, leading to the deluge, causing breach of the National Highway-16 at Kovuru as well.

In Kadapa district, a bridge on the river Papagni collapsed at Kamalapuram, cutting off road communication between Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts.

Floodwater gushing out from the Veligallu reservoir led to the bridge collapse, said officials.

In Kadapa city, a three-storied building collapsed in the wee hours of Sunday, but no casualties were reported as the inmates ran out to safety just minutes before the incident.

Many culverts, causeways and bridges suffered extensive damage due to the flash floods.