First Flood Warning Issued at Dowleswaram as Godavari Swells
In Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, the district administration reviewed the Godavari flood situation and directed officials from revenue, energy, health, fisheries and other departments to remain on high alert.
Vijayawada: As the water level in the Godavari river continues to rise, the first flood warning has been issued after the level crossed 11.75 feet at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage at Dowleswaram, with a discharge of over 10 lakh cusecs of water downstream into the sea at 8.35 pm on Saturday.
Godavari river conservator G. Srinivas said, “We are expecting the water level to rise further and it may go up to 12 lakh cusecs of discharge from the barrage by Sunday morning before starting to fall. We have initiated all standard safety protocols along the river course downstream to keep a close watch on vulnerable flood banks to ensure no untoward incidents.”
Meanwhile, all stakeholder departments including revenue, panchayat raj and others have been put on alert to initiate necessary measures for public safety.
In Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, the district administration reviewed the Godavari flood situation and directed officials from revenue, energy, health, fisheries and other departments to remain on high alert. Pregnant women in advanced stages were to be shifted to nearby PHCs, children in flood-hit areas provided with milk, and lifeboats with life jackets and trained swimmers kept ready. Operation of boats, steamers and motor boats in the river has been prohibited, along with fishing and bathing. Essential supplies sufficient for three months are being stocked near fair price shops close to flood-prone habitations.
In Eluru district too, the administration took stock of the situation in flood-hit Kukkunuru and Velurupadu mandals, arranged essential supplies, and is keeping a close watch to extend assistance if needed.
On the other hand, AP State Disaster Management Authority managing director Prakhar Jain, in a statement, said that authorities in ASR, East Godavari, Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, Eluru and West Godavari districts have been put on alert to closely monitor the Godavari floods, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to assess the impact on crops and habitations and to evacuate people to safety where necessary.
