TEAM AIRF/SCRMU HELPS FLOOD VICTIMS IN VIJAYAWADA

(Report Submitted by Com Lakshmi, Working Committee Member, AIRF, Com Leela, Divisional Secretary, Vijayawada and Com Harika Vittal, Youth Coordinator, Vijayawada and Compiled by Com Kona Vishnu, Coordinator, International Affairs & Coordinator Social Media, AIRF, INDIA).

It gives immense pleasure in reporting a great act of Humanity by a First Ever Woman Divisional Secretary on South Central Railway Com Mrs Leela Mandapati leading from the forefront the complete team of AIRF/SCRMU.

Rains have played havoc in the Southern part of India especially hitting badly the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana right from 28th August 2024, but took an ugly turn once a depression was reported in the Bay of Bengal consequently causing heavy rains in these states.

The inundation was unprecedented with initially most low lying areas being submerged, later the impact of depression spread over most parts of the peninsula leading to heavy and widespread rains. Most of the residential areas were submerged in Vijayawada city on the banks of river Krishna, an affluent city with adjoining Amaravathi Capital city of the Andhra Pradesh State in the making. Otherwise picturesque Vijayawada city turned into an marooned capital with Rail Connection cut off as the tracks connecting the nearest twin cities of Hyderabad-Secunderabad were washed away. The roads also being inundated and most of the agricultural tanks and lakes overflowing and dams being damaged. The rain hitting at a continuous pace challenged the rescue operations by National Disaster Rescue Force (NDRF) teams with power and communications network totally damaged. The trains movement also getting effected.

In these circumstances Com Mrs Leela Mandapati, Divisional Secretary, South Central Railway Mazdoor Union lead a team of energetic, dedicated and determined youth by engaging a tractor to reach out to the people in flood effected and low lying areas. Undaunted by rains, snakes, scorpions and crocodiles the team reached out to with packaged drinking water crates, milk in tetra packs, biscuits, candles & match sticks and many other essential items to distribute and talk to the people effected by flood. In addition she was assisted with Com Lakshmi, Working Committee Member, AIRF, Com Harika Vittal, Divisional Women Coordinator, Com Ramgupta, President, SCRMU, Com Appala Naidu, divisional youth coordinator, SCRMU and team of more than 50 members.

It is worthwhile to mention that all the members pooled in money and helped the flood effected families day and night.

RED SALUTE TO TEAM AIRF/SCRMU.