Munneru Water Level Rises, Officials On High Alert
Remain on alert and extend necessary help to people living in 12 divisions of Khammam city located along the Munneru river: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao
NALGONDA: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Sunday instructed officials in Khammam district to remain on alert and extend necessary help to people living in 12 divisions of Khammam city located along the Munneru river.
By Sunday afternoon, the water level in the Munneru had risen to 14.75 feet. The minister telephoned the district collector and directed that district authorities be kept on high alert in view of the rising levels. He asked them to keep rehabilitation centres ready, identify low-lying areas likely to submerge if water rises further, and take precautionary measures based on last year’s flooding during the monsoon.
Residents of Khammam heaved a sigh of relief when the water level later receded to 10 feet. However, officials said people in low-lying areas along the Munneru would be shifted to rehabilitation centres if the water level touches 16 feet. They warned that submergence of such areas was possible if levels reach 20 feet.
Authorities made announcements through loudspeakers in all 12 divisions, asking residents in vulnerable areas to be ready to move to relief centres. Fishermen were advised not to venture into the Munneru for fishing, and the public was urged not to cross the river or streams, which had become dangerous due to the floodwaters.