Vijayawada: 1.51 lakh vehicles hit by floods; CM Naidu asks insurers to process claims fast

Amaravati: Transport officials have reported that approximately 1,51,729 vehicles were hit by floods in Vijayawada. Among these, 1,14,998 were two-wheelers, 21,459 cars, 6,516 auto-rickshaws, 556 buses, and 8,200 medium goods vehicles and lorries.

The list was compiled based on the addresses provided during vehicle registration. Some of these vehicles are reportedly fully submerged, while others are partially submerged.

Vijayawada has been worst hit by floods in Andhra Pradesh. It has 2.76 lakh people. Over 10,000 vehicles were submerged for three days, leading to technical malfunctions and financial strain.

Ajit Singh Nagar, Vambay Colony, Payakapuram, Ambapuram, Rajiv Nagar, Bhavanipuram, Vidyadharapuram, Kabela, and Chittinagar, falling under the Vijayawada Central Assembly Constituency, were severely-impacted.

Earlier, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with insurance companies to expedite the settlement of insurance claims for the submerged vehicles within a week. There are several insurance companies in both the government and private sectors involved. Naidu urged these companies to process the claims promptly.

Meanwhile, insurance companies have also clarified that compensation will only be provided if the vehicle's insurance is valid. If the insurance has expired or was not renewed on time, no claims can be made.

"To be eligible for compensation for vehicles submerged in floodwaters, motorists must have a comprehensive or package policy; third-party insurance does not cover flood damage," said the Insurance companies.

Nissan Motor India has announced the setting up of a special helpdesk for customers in flood-affected areas, offering discounts on spare parts.

Undertake repairs of electronic products:

On Tuesday, Chandrababu Naidu held a meeting with electronic appliance manufacturers and urged them to undertake repair of the damaged products of flood-hit customers as a social responsibility.

Thousands of electronic products were damaged in households across the state due to the recent deluge, triggered by torrential downpours. The Chief Minister called on the companies to take this opportunity as a social responsibility.

"As electronic appliances in people's houses were damaged due to the floods, companies should come forward to repair them as a social responsibility," said Naidu. Further, he asked the manufacturers to set up helplines and make additional technicians available.

It may be recalled that LG Electronics has announced to provide free services to the flood victims. Following a call made by the Chief Minister, the company announced to provide free service for LG electronics items soaked in flood water and a 50% discount on spare parts.