Godavari in spate as inflows grow

​Khammam/ Warangal/ Karimnagar/ Adilabad/ Rajamahendravaram/ Eluru: River Godavari is in spate in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh owing to huge inflows from its tributaries - Pranahita and Indravathi, and more rains in prospect, flood threat looms large over Bhadrachalam Agency in Telangana and Konaseema areas of AP. After the first danger flood alert was issued on Monday morning, it didn’t take much time for the authorities to sound the second threat warning.

With forecast indicating heavy to very heavy rain likely to occur in isolated places of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nizamabad, Warangal West and East Godavari districts, the river is likely to get more inflows.

As was predicted by the Central Water Commission, water level in the river at Bhadrachalam had risen to 43 feet, the first alert, at 9 am. At about 1.30 pm, the authorities issued second danger alert with water level crossing 48 feet. At 7 pm, the water level in the river was exactly 50 feet. According to officials, the inflows are likely to recede in the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, the authorities have shifted at least 10 families residing in Kotha Colony near karakatta (flood bank) to rescue shelters. ITDA project officer Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu told The Hans India: “We are ready for any kind of exigency. Launches have been kept ready to ferry the people living in low-lying areas. There will be no problem for food supplies and other essentials.”

In Karimnagar district, it rained in almost all the mandals. Maha Mutharam and Mahadevpur mandals recorded the highest rainfall of 61.8 mm and 60.2 mm respectively in the last 24 hours. Out of the 57 mandals, only five mandals are left with deficit average rainfall this season. While 19 mandals have received excess rainfall, the other 33 witnessed normal precipitation.

Meanwhile, water level in Godavari is stable at 9.8 metres near Ramannagudem pushkarghat in Warangal district. As of now, the second danger warning is in force. Bhupalpalli recorded the highest rainfall of 57.6 mm in the district.

On the other hand, Adilabad district continued to receive heavy rainfall. Pranahita and Penganga rivers are in full flow with upstream areas receiving heavy rainfall. Kadem, Komaram Bheem and Gaddenna projects are brimming with water. Kuntala (95.4 mm), Kouthala (92.4 mm) and Bazarathnoor (91.2 mm) mandals received highest rainfall in the district. The incessant rains also affected coal production in the open-cast mining areas of Singareni.

The water level at Sir Arthur Cotton barrage touched 7.70 feet at Dhowleswaram as Godavari has been receiving heavy inflows from Monday evening. Irrigation officials may issue first warning alert during early hours of Tuesday when water level crosses 11.75 feet at the barrage.

According to Superintendent Engineer Rambabu, 5.40 lakh cusecs of water was being released into the sea by lifting all the crest gates by 4.5 metres by Monday evening. District Collector has issued orders banning the operations of all the boats, including which are plying for Papikondalu voyage.

As the flood level to River Godavari is rising, the West Godavari district administration put all the officials on alert on Monday. Nearly 22 villages in Velairpadu mandal were cut off from other areas. In Polavaram mandal, the flood water is flowing on Kothuru Causeway and 18 villages were cut off. In Kukunuru mandal, 12 villages were inundated due to flooding of Gunderuvagu rivulet. The flood level in Polavaram reached to 19 metres on Monday.