Gas Leak Chaos in Andhra Pradesh: Residents Evacuated Amidst Massive Flames

Emergency Response to Gas Leak in Amaravati

Amaravati: A significant gas leak from an Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) well in the Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh triggered widespread panic on Monday, leading to the evacuation of residents from nearby areas.

The incident occurred in Irusumanda and adjacent villages in Malikipuram Mandal, where a substantial gas leak erupted during repair operations on a well that had temporarily ceased production. A powerful blowout released a large volume of gas mixed with crude oil, propelling it high into the atmosphere.

Local officials reported that the leaked gas ignited, resulting in flames at the site. Thick clouds of gas and smoke enveloped Irusumanda and surrounding regions, resembling dense fog.

Authorities initiated evacuations within a five-kilometer radius as massive flames rapidly spread, consuming nearby coconut trees, with approximately 500 trees destroyed.

In a bid to ensure safety, officials used loudspeakers to advise residents in three nearby villages against using electricity, turning on appliances, or lighting stoves to mitigate the risk of further ignitions.

An emergency response team from ONGC, along with senior officials, promptly arrived at the scene after being alerted by local revenue officials. Efforts to contain the gas leak were underway.

Chaos ensued as residents fled their homes, alarmed by the towering flames and loud explosions. Fire services, police, and other officials rushed to the area.

The District Collector and Superintendent of Police were actively overseeing the situation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu sought updates on the gas leak, communicating with ministers K. Atchannaidu and Vasamsetti Subhash, along with other officials.

The ministers informed the Chief Minister that they had already engaged with local officials regarding the situation and had instructed them to enhance relief efforts.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for officials to ensure that villagers faced no hardships and to evacuate them to safe locations. He also directed immediate action to control the leak.

He advised continuous coordination between ministers, officials, district representatives, and ONGC personnel.