Flood Fury Grips Godavari Belt; 160 Families Shifted to Safety

Kakinada:The Godavari remained in spate on Friday as rising inflows from upstream and overflowing tributaries such as the Sabari and Indravati inundated key roads, disrupted transport and prompted authorities across the Godavari region to step up emergency measures.

Several major roads in Polavaram district, including the Kunavaram-Bhadrachalam, Chinturu-V.R. Puram, Kona Rajupeta-Kunavaram and Gandipochamma Temple roads in Devipatnam mandal, were submerged under floodwaters, cutting off transport services.

As many as 160 families, including 109 from Velerupadu mandal and 51 from Kunavaram mandal, were shifted to safer locations, including rehabilitation centres. Of them, around 80 people moved to their relatives' houses or other safe places.

The irrigation department discharged 5,36,467 cusecs of surplus water from the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram by 9 p.m. on Friday. The collectors of Polavaram, Eluru and Konaseema districts toured flood-affected villages and alerted officials to remain on high alert. They directed officials not to take leave until the flood situation subsides.

Konaseema district collector R. Mahesh Kumar directed officials to close the Appanapalli causeway with barricades as floodwaters are expected to submerge it. He instructed officials to closely monitor low-lying and islet villages and ordered the immediate evacuation of pregnant women to nearby Primary Health Centres. Medical teams have been deployed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

As a precaution, schools in Lanka villages have been declared closed, ferry services across river stretches have been suspended and residents have been advised to use alternative routes.

The collector said that 16 to 17 of the district's 19 mandals, along with 32 islet villages, could be affected by the floods. Rescue teams equipped with boats and life jackets have been kept on standby, and people have been urged not to venture into the river for fishing.

Polavaram district collector Dinesh Kumar said SDRF teams and personnel from the 3rd Battalion are on standby to undertake rescue operations if required. He said control rooms have been set up to receive and disseminate flood-related information. The Collector also toured agency areas on Friday and issued necessary instructions to officials.

Eluru district collector K. Vetri Selvi inspected Velerupadu and reviewed the flood situation. Velerupadu Tahsildar N. Srinivasa Rao said that 79 families from Repakagommu village had been evacuated to the R&R Colony at Challavari Gudem near Taduvai, while another 30 families had moved to safer locations on their own. He added that boats and launches have been kept ready and essential commodities would be supplied to the evacuated families.