Srikakulam Collector appeals to truckers and motorists stranded on NH-16 to wait for floods to recede

Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar, SP KV Maheswar Reddy assesses the situation on NH-16 as heavy vehicles got stuck due to heavy floods near Ichchapuram in Srikakulam district on Thursday. | Photo credit: COLLECTOR

SRIKAKULAM:

Srikakulam Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar on Thursday evening appealed to heavy vehicle drivers and other motorists stranded on NH-16 (Kolkata-Chennai highway) to cooperate with the government and wait patiently for the floods to subside and the route safe for movement.

Hundreds of vehicles including trucks, buses, cars and others were stuck on the highway.

Mr. Swapnil visited Ichchapuram along with Superintendent of Police KV Maheswar Reddy to review the situation.

The collector warned that driving through flood-affected sections could pose a danger to drivers and others.

The police department erected barricades to prevent vehicles from entering Ichchapuram from Odisha side.

Unaware of the cyclone-related weather conditions in AP, many drivers plyed the route as usual on Wednesday.

The government said it would take several days to restore normalcy on the route.

Meanwhile, the administration distributed food parcels to flood victims in Arakbhadra, Jagannathapeta, Thotavoor, Rattakanna and other localities. Food packages were also provided to drivers stranded on the highway. Hundreds of residents from low-lying areas were shifted to government girls’ high schools and private schools in Ichchapuram, which were used as relief centres.

Medical teams arrived at relief camps as many residents complained of fever and other health problems after being exposed to heavy rain and flood water.

The Bahuda River received around 79,280 cusecs of water till Thursday evening, according to government sources.

The Collector and other officials continue to monitor the flood situation through the control room set up at the Collectorate.

Published – 29 Oct 2026 21:58 IST