Godavari crosses first warning level at Bhadrachalam as inflows continue to rise

The Godavari River crossed the first flood warning level at Bhadrachalam after heavy upstream rainfall pushed inflows beyond 10 lakh cusecs. Authorities have sounded an alert, opened control rooms and asked residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as water levels continue rising.

Kothagudem: The water level in river Godavari at Bhadrachalam in the district has been rising gradually due to heavy rains in upstream areas.

Officials issued the first warning after the Godavari’s water level reached 43 feet at 10.14 am on Friday and reached 44.80 feet at 12 noon with a discharge of 10.08 lakh cusecs. . Godavari tributaries such as Indravati and Pranahita have been overflowing due to rains over the past three days in the Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and North Telangana regions.

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The Godavari’s flow has intensified as a record inflow of approximately 10 lakh cusecs arriving from river Indravati. Flood forecasts indicate that the river’s flow at Medigadda and Bhadrachalam is likely to rise to between 12 and 17 lakh cusecs over the next 24 to 36 hours.

Since last night, Godavari water level has risen by 14 feet. Water levels are expected to increase further at Bhadrachalam as well as at the SRSP, Yellampalli, Sundilla, Annaram, and Medigadda projects, officials said.

In view of the escalating flood situation, district Collector Ankit has directed Officials responsible for flood management duties to remain on high alert and relocate people from flood-prone areas to relief centres.

Control rooms have been set up to continuously monitor the situation. The residents living along the Godavari riverbanks and in flood-prone villages to remain vigilant, the Collector said.

On the other hand, glaring safety lapses are evident at Godavari bathing ghats. Devotees arriving from far-off places for holy dips are stepping into the turbulent waters, seemingly unaware of the danger. Locals and devotees wanted officials to put up signboards and deploy security personnel.