**Bhadrachalam:**
Heavy and constant rain over the past few days has caused the water level in the Godavari River in Bhadrachalam to rise steadily. By 8 PM on Saturday, the water level reached 35.50 feet. This increase is due to heavy rains in Chhattisgarh’s upper catchment area and Kothagudem district.
In the past 24 hours, officials released 81,572 cusecs of excess water downstream from the Taliperu project. By 11 AM, 21 gates of the Taliperu project in Cherla mandal were opened, allowing the free flow of 1,04,834 cusecs of excess water. The project’s inflow was measured at 1,05,570 cusecs. Officials anticipate the Godavari River water level could reach 41 feet by night.
Due to the rising water levels, the Seethamma Narachirala area has been flooded, and visits to the area have been suspended. The district administration is reviewing measures in case the Godavari water reaches a dangerous level.
Superintendent of Police B Rohith Raju has warned fishermen and the public living near the banks of the Godavari, Kinnersani, and other rivers to avoid entering the water bodies.
District Collector Jitesh V Patil is closely monitoring the situation with officials and has instructed them not to leave their posts without notifying others. Control rooms have been set up in RDO offices, and people are urged not to panic about potential floods. “We should be ready to face any situation,” said Patil.
He advised residents to stay indoors and contact the control rooms at 08744-241950 or 9392919743 for emergencies.
Irrigation officers expect the floodwater to reach 40 feet in Bhadrachalam. They noted that a warning would be issued at 43 feet, a second warning at 48 feet, and a final warning at 53 feet.
