Akshaya Patra's Lifeline: Feeding Thousands Amid Andhra Pradesh Flood Crisis

The Akshaya Patra Foundation, guided by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, provided essential food support during the Andhra Pradesh floods. With advanced kitchen facilities, they fed up to 3.3 lakh people. Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Navy executed critical flood relief operations, addressing breaches and evacuating affected residents.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation has become a vital lifeline amidst the ongoing flood crisis in Andhra Pradesh. Guided by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Municipal Minister Narayana, the foundation provided critical food support, delivering meals three times a day to affected individuals and families.

Sriman Vamsadhara Dasa, President of Hare Krishna, highlighted the central role of their kitchen in Mangalagiri, which served as a hub for food distribution. "On the first day, we served 60,000 people, which increased to 1.5 lakh on the second day. By the 14th day, we had fed 3.3 lakh people," he said, acknowledging the support from government officials.

The centralised kitchen, equipped with the latest technology, enabled the preparation of meals for up to 60,000 people at a time, ensuring high-quality and hygienic food standards.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army continued its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts. They used Gabion baskets to contain critical breaches in Vijayawada. Initial breaches of 10-15 meters were temporarily plugged, but this caused a funnelling effect that intensified water flow at a third breach spanning 80-100 meters.

The HADR team plans to use a two-layer strategy employing Gabion and HESCO baskets, aiming to construct a protective bund to fortify the breach. The Navy also actively participated in relief efforts, evacuating people and distributing food in flood-affected areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)