Fri Dec 20 18:01:53 UTC 2024: **Visakhapatnam Hit by Heavy Rains, Wall Collapses, Two Rescued from Sea**
VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIA (December 21, 2024) – Visakhapatnam experienced torrential rainfall on Friday, December 20th, resulting in a retaining wall collapse and prompting rescue efforts. The downpour, attributed to an active low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, continued throughout the day following moderate rainfall overnight.
The Andhra Pradesh State Development & Planning Society (APSDPS) reported exceptionally heavy rainfall in several areas, including Kapuluppada (43.55 mm), Vepagunta (42 mm), and Gambheeram (41.25 mm) between 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM. Numerous other locations received over 30 mm of rainfall during the same period.
The heavy downpour caused a retaining wall to collapse in Indira Nagar, a hilly area of Pendurthi. GVMC Commissioner P. Sampath Kumar visited the site, ordering residents to evacuate to a rehabilitation center and instructing officials to monitor low-lying and hilly areas for potential landslides. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness for further evacuations if necessary.
Additionally, a boundary wall along RK Beach Road near Children’s Park was washed away by the relentless rain. Despite the severe weather, the beach remained crowded with visitors. Two individuals, Virendra from Hyderabad and Upendra Varma from Chhattisgarh, were rescued from the sea by GVMC community guards after going missing in the waters. Calls for school closures on Saturday due to the ongoing inclement weather have been made by parents.
First Piper 