12-Sep-2024
Bapatla: During the last week of August 2024 and the first week of September 2024, heavy rainfall resulted in the flooding of all tributaries in both Krishna and Guntur districts. This caused a massive inflow of floodwaters into the Krishna River, both upstream and downstream of the barrage at Vijayawada. Over 12 lakh cusecs of water were released downstream from the barrage, leading to severe flooding in parts of Vijayawada city and 34 island villages in the Bhattiprolu and Kolluru mandals within the Vijayawada-Guntur Dioceses. These areas remained submerged for nearly 3-4 days.
The Claretians of the Province of Bangalore quickly responded to the crisis, focusing on the island villages of the Bhattiprolu-Oleru region. Recognizing the vulnerability of the flood-affected population, the Claretian Fathers, supported by local youth and mission associates, initially coordinated the loading and unloading of food packets and safe drinking water, which were transported via boats to the affected areas.
Once the waters receded, the Claretians and their associates visited the villages to assess the extensive damage to property, belongings, and crops. The Claretians, along with the Cluny Sisters, provided aid to approximately 400 flood-affected families in Juvvalapalem (Bhattiprolu) and above 300 food kits in Oleru. Essential items distributed included rice, dal, edible oil, onions, sugar, biscuits, toiletries, blankets, bed sheets, towels, emergency bulbs, and other necessities.
Timely assistance and quick action by the Province of Bangalore and on-field execution by the Claretian communities of Bhattiprolu and Oleru was providential for hundreds of families affected by the floods. Special mention must be made of Cluny sisters and their hostel girls, the Mukti boys and girls, and the parishioners and youth of Bhattiprolu Parish for their tireless efforts in alleviating the suffering of the flood-affected families and restoring hope to the flood-affected people.
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