Mulugu on High Alert As Lakes, Streams Swell

Warangal: Heavy rainfall that has been witnessed over the last few days has caused lakes, tanks, and streams to swell with overflowing water, putting many areas on high alert. Authorities have urged people to take precautions as floodwaters are submerging roads in the Mulugu district.

The Jampanna Vagu stream near Medaram is strongly affected by floodwater. With the rise in water levels, the road from the bridge to the ITDA office was submerged in floodwaters. The Jampanna Vagu has a history of flooding, with waters having reached the main altar of the temple in the past.

Police and local officials have issued an alert and, by using loudspeakers, warned that the shop owners should vacate the temple premises. The people are advised to stay indoors and report any problems.

In Venkatapuram mandal, the famous Ramappa lake is nearly full due to the continuous downpour over the last few days. The water level has reached close to 32 feet, just four feet away from its full capacity of 36 feet. People believe that the lake could overflow once it reaches 35 feet.

The water level of the Godavari River at the Pushkar Ghat in Ramannagudem is also increasing. After a brief drop, the river is rising again due to heavy rain upstream. As of Thursday evening, the water level was at +71.39 (13.89 metres), which is below the first warning level of +73.32 (14.82 metres).

At the Sammakka Sagar Barrage, located in Tupakula Gudem village of Eturnagaram mandal, a heavy inflow of water is recorded, with approximately 5,13,540 cusecs of water. The officials of the irrigation department are releasing the same amount of water by lifting all 59 gates downstream. The barrage is now in free-flow condition. The district has received a significant amount of rainfall, with Tadvai mandal recording the highest at 215.0 mm, followed by Govindaraopet mandal with about 200.8 mm, and Eturnagaram mandal with about 122.8 mm.

Meanwhile, district collector T. S. Divakar and superintendent of police P. Shabarish issued a joint warning for people to remain alert, as heavy rains are expected to continue lashing the district for the next one to two days. The entire Mulugu police force has been put on high alert and ordered to be available to the people at all times. They have been instructed to be ready to handle any emergency. Additionally, the District Disaster Management Force (DDRF), established by the Mulugu police, has been activated and is on standby to respond to crises.

Due to the intense downpour, a stream near Project Nagar is flowing dangerously. Officials have relocated the people of that area to a relief camp for their safety. The SP visited the camp and spoke with the people, reassuring them and urging them to stay in the shelters or other safe places until the rain stops.

The SP also inspected the overflowing stream at Mandal Thogu, located between Pasara and Tadvai, and ordered the officials to prohibit all vehicle movement on the road until the water level drops to a safe level, ensuring no one attempts to cross the dangerous floodwaters.