Heavy rains wreak havoc in Kothagudem district

Kothagudem: Heavy rains and floods for the past few days have caused devastation in several parts of Kothagudem district, leaving thousands of acres of crops inundated and hundreds of houses damaged. The district witnessed heavy crop and property loss. The district administration is going to conduct a survey to estimate the loss in the district.

According to official sources, 97 villages were affected due to the heavy rains while various crops in about 3,465 hectares were destroyed, incurring heavy loss to about 3,241 farmers across the district. 

1,240 hectares of paddy, 814 hectares of cotton and 134 hectares of maize in 59 villages were damaged. About 109 houses were destroyed totally while 148 houses were partially damaged. 

The heavy rains and floods damaged 29 panchayat roads across the district and transportation services came to a grinding halt in about 36 villages.

Meanwhile, the receding water level in River Godavari in Bhadrachalam gave somewhat relief to both people and officials. The water level, which marked 50 feet on Wednesday afternoon, was recorded 49 feet at 6 pm on the same day. But the administration is continuing the second warning (usually issued at 48 feet).

The officials said the water level may decrease further on Thursday reaching 41 feet, the first warning level. Expecting the water level may lead to issue final warning due to heavy flows from upper catchment areas, the officials have made all arrangements to shift families from low-lying areas to relief centres.

District Collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu directed the district administration on alert to face any problem at any time. He is constantly monitoring the situation and taking all measures in low-lying areas. 

About 50 families were shifted from low-lying areas to relief centres set up at Ashok Nagar Colony in the temple town. Roads and Buildings Minister Tummala Nageswar Rao is monitoring the situation and told the staff to be alert.