The Godavari River has surpassed second flood warning level at Bhadrachalam, reaching 49.5 feet by 6 p.m. on Friday. This surge,attributed to significant inflows from upstream,has triggered flood alert across the Bhadrachalam Agency and surrounding areas in the Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
Heavy rainfall earlier in the week contributed to the swollen river, disrupting road connectivity between Charla and Venkatapuram. Backwaters from the river have inundated the Annadhana Satram (Choultry) in Bhadrachalam, prompting officials to deploy heavy-duty pumps to alleviate flooding around the Vista Complex near the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple .
As of Friday afternoon, floodwaters were flowing downstream at a rate of nearly 12.24 lakh cusecs. Although the water level is anticipated to rise further,officials noted that rainfall has subsided in the upper reaches over the last 24 hours,which may help in the eventual receding of the waters.
In response to the situation, flood duty officers have been mobilized in the Bhadrachalam division to coordinate relief and rescue efforts . Temporary relief centers have been established in Bhadrachalam and other vulnerable areas, facilitating the relocation of residents from low-lying regions to safer locations .
The local administration is on high alert, prepared to respond should the river exceed the third warning level of 53 feet. A 24-hour flood control room has been activated at the Integrated District Offices Complex in Kothagudem,providing a direct line for residents to report issues or seek assistance . The control room can be contacted at 08744 241950, and residents can also reach out
Recent weather patterns have significantly impacted water levels in regional reservoirs. The Sripada Yellampalli Project in Peddapalli district is nearing capacity,with its water level recorded at 147.45 meters,just short of its full reservoir level of 148 meters . Currently,42,833 cusecs of floodwater is being released downstream through five of project's 62 gates, while inflows have been measured at 50,555 cusecs as of Friday evening .
Meanwhile,the Kadem project in Nirmal district has seen a reduction in inflows, dropping from 24,938 cusecs at 7 a.m. to 11,628 cusecs by 6 p.m. on Friday . The water level in Kadem dam stands at just over 698 feet, close to its maximum storage level of 700 feet.
