What’s Happening with the Floods in the Godavari River?
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Synopsis
Island villages in Andhra Pradesh's Godavari districts are facing severe flooding, disrupting connectivity and prompting authorities to issue flood warnings. With heavy inflows from tributaries and a cyclonic storm approaching, residents are urged to stay alert. The situation is critical as officials prepare for potential evacuations and relief efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Island villages in Andhra Pradesh are facing severe flooding.
- Authorities are on high alert due to rising water levels.
- Evacuations are being organized for residents in low-lying areas.
- The Krishna River is also experiencing significant inflows.
- A cyclonic storm is likely to bring more heavy rainfall to the region.
Amaravati, Oct 1 (NationPress) The island villages located in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari and West Godavari districts have been severely affected as floodwaters from the Godavari River inundated the area. Connectivity to certain island villages, known as 'Lanka villages', has been disrupted due to the flooding.
The water level at the Dowleswaram Cotton Barrage near Rajahmundry reached 13.6 feet on Wednesday evening. Authorities are preparing to issue a second flood warning as levels are expected to rise further.
Currently, authorities are discharging 12.61 lakh cusecs of water into the sea, as the Godavari River is experiencing significant inflow due to overflowing tributaries from Maharashtra, Telangana, Dandakarnya, and surrounding regions.
Meanwhile, the water level at Bhadrachalam in Telangana climbed to 44.90 feet on Wednesday evening. Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), reported inflows at the Dowleswaram Barrage of 12.72 lakh cusecs.
High alert has been declared for the Godavari delta and Polavaram backwater regions due to significant inflows affecting low-lying areas in Eluru, Alluri Sitaramaraju, Konaseema, and both East and West Godavari districts.
Additionally, the Krishna River is also experiencing heavy inflows. The APSDMA reported inflows of 6.08 lakh cusecs at the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, where a second flood warning is still in effect.
Officials have cautioned residents in low-lying regions to stay vigilant until the floods have completely receded.
Anagani Satyaprasad, the Andhra Pradesh Revenue Minister, convened a review meeting with officials in Bapatla district to address the flooding in the Krishna River.
He instructed officials to remain on high alert and to evacuate residents from low-lying areas to relief camps.
As a precaution due to the floods in the Krishna River, the Hamsa Vahana Teppotsavam (float festival) has been cancelled.
This festival typically features a decorated boat sailing on the Godavari during Vijaya Dasami to celebrate the conclusion of the Dasara festivities on Indirakiladri.
The Irrigation Department has denied a 'No Objection Certificate' for the Teppotsavam due to the ongoing flooding.
In an additional concern, a low-pressure system in the west-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, anticipated to move in a north-northwest direction and potentially evolve into a severe cyclonic storm. As of Wednesday evening, it was positioned approximately 400 km from Visakhapatnam, 420 km from Gopalpur (Odisha), and 500 km from Paradip (Odisha).
This storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to certain areas of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Visakhapatnam, and Anakapalli districts on Thursday.
Light to moderate rain is also predicted for Alluri Sitaramaraju, Kakinada, Konaseema, as well as East Godavari, West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, and Prakasam districts.
Point of View
The flooding in the Godavari River highlights the ongoing challenges faced by regions prone to natural disasters. It emphasizes the importance of preparedness, effective response strategies, and community resilience in the face of climate-related impacts. The Nation stands committed to covering such critical events, ensuring accurate reporting and support for affected populations.
NationPress
01/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding in the Godavari River?
The flooding in the Godavari River is primarily due to heavy rainfall and overflowing tributaries from nearby regions.
What measures are being taken to ensure public safety?
Authorities are issuing flood warnings, advising evacuations from low-lying areas, and preparing relief camps for affected residents.
How has the flooding impacted transportation?
Road connectivity to several island villages has been disrupted due to the rising water levels.
Is the Krishna River also affected?
Yes, the Krishna River is experiencing heavy inflows, leading to additional flood warnings in the area.
What is the current weather forecast for the region?
Heavy rainfall is expected in various districts, and a cyclonic storm is approaching, which could worsen the situation.
