Vijayawada: The city known for withstanding numerous storms, has experienced one of the most devastating floods in over a century. Triggered by a severe low-pressure system, the flooding has left the residents of Vijayawada in dire circumstances, with over half of the city submerged by overflowing rivers Krishnamma and Budameru. The sudden deluge has tragically claimed 39 lives, displacing thousands, and leaving countless others struggling to rebuild their lives.
Budameru River’s Catastrophic Overflow
On August 29, 2024, heavy rains battered Vijayawada and its neighboring areas. Budameru river, which hadn’t caused significant issues in over 20 years, suddenly overflowed, wreaking havoc on the city. The rainfall amounted to nearly 30 cm in the Budameru catchment area, triggering the river’s overflow. The release of over 11.2 lakh TMCs of water into the Krishna River further worsened the situation, leading to massive inundation in low-lying areas of the city.
Krishna River, too, contributed to the flooding, with its waters rising above the Prakasam Barrage and submerging parts of downstream Lankas, including Bhavanipuram and Ibrahimpatnam. These simultaneous deluges overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, leaving 11 divisions of Vijayawada under water.
Impact on Vijayawada’s Population
Areas such as Ajit Singh Nagar, Andhra Prabha Colony, Payakapuram, Kandrika, and Bhavanipuram—some of the most densely populated parts of Vijayawada—were hardest hit. For over a week, residents have been stranded, struggling to access basic necessities such as food and clean water. The ongoing flooding has disrupted daily life and paralyzed the local economy. Although the Andhra Pradesh state government has launched emergency relief operations and is distributing food, the recovery process is proving slow and challenging.
A Look at Past Floods and the Historical Context of Budameru
Floods are not new to Vijayawada. In 2005, the Singinagar area faced severe flooding when 45,000 cusecs of water were released into Budameru. Similarly, in 2009, thousands of homes were submerged when the Krishna River saw a flood of nearly 10 lakh cusecs. Yet, the 2024 floods stand out as the most catastrophic in recent memory due to the combination of overflowing rivers and unexpected breaches in Budameru’s embankments.
Historically, Budameru has been called the “Sorrow of Krishna” by the British, owing to its unpredictable and fast-flowing waters. Despite several attempts over the decades to regulate its flow and prevent flooding, the river has repeatedly overflowed, causing widespread damage. In 2005, the then-Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy implemented measures to reduce flooding by removing encroachments and reinforcing the head regulator. However, these measures have not been enough to prevent future disasters.
Operation Budameru: A New Promise for the Future
In the wake of this disaster, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced “Operation Budameru,” a new initiative aimed at preventing future floods by strengthening the city’s flood management infrastructure. The government is also working to provide immediate relief to affected residents while promising long-term solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of Vijayawada’s citizens.
This year’s unprecedented flooding will remain etched in the city’s memory for years to come, as it embarks on a journey of recovery and rebuilding.
