River Godavari Flowing At Danger-level

The depression-induced rains are wreaking havoc in both the Telugu states. Many low-lying areas were inundated and normal life was paralysed. Due to heavy inflows from upstream areas like Sabari and Sileru, River Godavari is flowing furiously and the water has reached the danger-level at Bhadrachalam.

As of now, it is flowing 60 feet high and this is the first time that the water-level reached this level in the last seven years. In August, 2013, water reached the 61.6-feet mark.

With heavy rains battering many parts of the Telugu states, reservoirs are also receiving huge inflows and are flowing to the brim. This night, by 9 pm, the water-level of Godavari is expected to reach the 63-feet mark at Bhadrachalam. The officials had already issued a danger warning and the Central Water Commission officials also warned the local officials that many areas are likely to be submerged.

Many villages have been cut off as water is overflowing on roads. Several low bridges and causeways were also damaged due to the flood-like situation.

In the entire history of Andhra Pradesh, it was only twice that River Godavari reached the 70-feet mark while it breached the 60-feet level four times — in 1976, 1983, 2006 and 2013.

In August, 1986, the water-level in River Godavari reached a highest-level of 75.66 feet at Bhadrachalam and on August 24, 1990, the perennial river breached the 70-feet mark and flowed at 70.8 feet, officials said.

The heavy rains had already submerged many parts in Warangal and people living nearby River Godavari and the rivulets have been alerted and shifted to safety. Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao also called for an emergency Cabinet met and reviewed the situation. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been rushed to Warangal district and kept on standby, in case of emergency.