By Andhra Pradesh has recently been hit by unseasonal rains that have caused widespread damage across several districts. These unexpected weather events have not only disrupted agricultural activities but also claimed lives due to lightning strikes. In response, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has taken swift action by instructing officials to provide immediate relief and compensation to affected farmers and the families of lightning strike victims.
Widespread Damage Across Districts
Over the past week, various parts of Andhra Pradesh, including districts like Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, and Nellore, have experienced heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, which are uncharacteristic for this time of the year. These unseasonal rains have led to crop damage, waterlogging, and flash floods in low-lying areas. In addition, multiple incidents of lightning strikes have been reported, resulting in casualties and injuries.
According to preliminary reports from the state agriculture department, thousands of hectares of agricultural land have been submerged. Crops like paddy, maize, chilli, and cotton have suffered heavy losses just before the harvesting season, pushing farmers into a state of despair.
CM Reviews Situation and Issues Orders
On Monday, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy held a high-level meeting with top officials from the Revenue, Agriculture, and Disaster Management departments to assess the impact of the rains. During the meeting, he expressed deep concern over the losses suffered by the farming community and the lives lost due to lightning strikes.
The Chief Minister directed the district collectors and revenue officials to conduct immediate field surveys to assess the extent of damage. He emphasized that compensation should be paid promptly without delay. “Every affected farmer and family must receive the help they need at the earliest. We must stand by our people during these challenging times,” he said.
Compensation for Farmers
To support the farmers who have lost their crops, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to utilize funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the input subsidy scheme. He further assured that affected farmers would be compensated based on the actual extent of crop damage, and not merely on estimated reports.
CM Jagan emphasized transparency and fairness in the process and directed the officials to use satellite imagery and mobile applications to validate crop loss data. Officials were also instructed to ensure that no deserving farmer is left out of the compensation list.
Relief for Lightning Strike Victims
Tragically, several people lost their lives in the recent lightning incidents. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to each family who lost a loved one due to lightning.
Medical care and assistance are also being extended to those injured in the incidents. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for all victims in government hospitals and, if required, to refer them to higher medical centers.
Deployment of Emergency Teams
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire service teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas to assist with rescue and relief operations. District administrations have been put on high alert to deal with any further incidents of rain or natural calamities.
Temporary shelters have been arranged for displaced families, and food, water, and other essentials are being distributed in affected villages. The Chief Minister also directed the health department to take necessary precautions to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases in flooded regions.
Use of Technology for Faster Assessments
To expedite the assessment and relief distribution process, the government is leveraging digital tools like drones and the e-Crop app. These technologies are helping officials gather real-time data on the damage and ensure that compensation reaches the rightful beneficiaries without delay.
CM Jagan Reddy emphasized that such tools not only speed up the process but also prevent corruption and errors in identifying beneficiaries.
Assurance of Continued Support
The Chief Minister assured the public that his government is fully committed to supporting all those affected. “We are with our farmers and citizens in this hour of need. Our administration will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to mitigate the damage,” he said.
He also appealed to the public to stay alert and follow weather advisories issued by the Meteorological Department. He emphasized the importance of public cooperation to ensure that lives are not lost in avoidable situations.
Opposition and Public Response
While the state government’s response has been prompt, some opposition leaders criticized the administration, alleging delays in compensation and lack of preparedness for such unseasonal weather events. However, many farmer groups and civil society organizations welcomed the government’s proactive measures and the use of modern technology in damage assessment.
Conclusion
The unseasonal rains and lightning strikes have once again highlighted the growing unpredictability of weather patterns, possibly linked to climate change. Andhra Pradesh’s swift governmental response under CM Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership has provided a sense of relief to the affected citizens. With prompt action, transparent assessments, and fair compensation, the state aims to help its farmers and people recover from this natural setback and build resilience for the future.
