River Godavari Nears Third Warning Level; 35 Villages Cut Off

WARANGAL: Relentless heavy rains in the upstream states of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra have caused the Godavari River to swell rapidly, prompting authorities in Mulugu district to sound a high alert as floodwaters are continuing to rise.

At Ramannagudem, the water level of Godavari reached 75.47 feet at 2 p.m. on Friday, inching dangerously close to the third warning level of 75.82 feet. With the river rising steadily, officials fear the situation could worsen if similar inflows from upstream continue.

Floodwaters have already disrupted normal life across the district, cutting off 35 villages. Traffic between Telangana and Chhattisgarh has come to a standstill after the low-level bridge over the Regumagu stream in Vajedu mandal got submerged. Hundreds of vehicles remain stranded and commuters are facing severe hardships.

The Sammakka-Sarakka Barrage at Tupakulagudem is receiving an inflow of nearly 14.03 lakh cusecs, and an equal volume is being released downstream. The increased discharge has intensified flood threats along the Jampanna stream, low-lying areas, and villages located along the Godavari riverbanks.

District authorities have started shifting residents from flood-prone villages to rehabilitation centres. Officials have been directed to ensure availability of drinking water, food, electricity, medical assistance, and other essential facilities at the relief camps.

Mulugu district collector Borkade Hemant Sahadeorao has asked residents living in the Godavari basin to remain extremely vigilant. He appealed to the public to avoid fishing, swimming, and venturing near rivers and streams, and strictly follow official advisories.

The collector has instructed officials of the Revenue, Police, Irrigation, Health, and Electricity departments to remain on round-the-clock alert. In case of emergencies, residents have been asked to contact the district administration's 24×7 toll-free helpline: 1800-425-7109.