12,000 evacuated as Godavari water level rises to 30 feet

Hyderabad: The water level in River Godavari at Bhadrachalam in Khamma district rose to 30 feet by Monday evening due to heavy inflows from the upper reaches of Godavari. The water level has risen sharply by seven feet within a span of 12 hour.

The state irrigation authorities have informed that it is likely to further increase and may reach 35 feet by Tuesday afternoon.

The state authorities have sounded a high alert for people in low lying areas in the Temple town as well as nearby villages in Bhadrachalam division of Khammam district as a precautionary measure.

Besides, all river side districts of both Godavari and Krishna have been put on alert following heavy inflows.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chandrasekhara Rao who visited Karimnagar district on Monday evening said the delay in the construction of Mid Manair Dam (MMD) by contractors led to the 130-metre breach in the earth dam. He cancelled the contract and ordered for fresh tendering process for the dam.

Rao also directed the officials of Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam districts to be on alert in view of the threat of flooding due to swollen Godavari river.

Meanwhile, about 12,000 people who were shifted to relief camps from the nearby villages have returned to their homes in Karimnagar district following flood water receded.

At least 11 people have been killed due to rain-related incidents in Telangana. Out of the total deaths, seven people, including three on Saturday and four on Friday, were killed in Medak. Three deaths in Warangal district were reported two days back.

In the rain ravaged Hyderabad, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation-GHMC authorities have begun massive demolition and 39 illegal constructions that were blocking the storm water drains were demolished on Monday. A total of 28 thousand illegal constructions were identified across the capital city.