Officials sound flood alert as Godavari swells

Bhadrachalam: Flood alerts have been sounded in Bhadrachalam and agency areas following rising water level of Godavari River which touched 41feet mark on Thursday. The water level rose following heavy rains in the upper catchment area of the river.

The water level in the river rose during the past 24 hours, said officials.  The Central Water Commission officers have said that the water level will further rise in the night which means it is fast reaching the danger mark.

Due to incessant rains in the catchment area the bathing steps of the river have submerged and devotees are facing trouble in taking the holy dip due to fast currents of the river.  The officers have asked devotees not to do the holy dip in Godavari because of the heavy flood. 

On the other hand, the historical Parnasala temple is also inundated with rainwater.  Other historical places Sithamma vague and Vamana gunatalu are also flooded with rain water.

The officers have also alerted people to face any problem in the agency due to the floods.  They are keeping ready buffer stocks in all mandal headquarters, said the Revenue officials.  

Sub-Collector Bhavesh Mishra ordered officials to alert the people living in the agency villages about the flood situation.  He also said, a control room is being arranged in the Sub Collector office for meet the emergency situation.  He said, to observe the every minute forecast of the flood updates are given to the people. 

The Sub Collector ordered every officer to be stay put in the headquarters and   to deal with the floods. Meanwhile, officials lifted 22 gates of the minor irrigation project Taliperu in Charala Agency and released 95,500 cusecs water in to Godavari on Thursday.