The rising water levels of river Godavari at Bhadrachalam, in Telangana is creating panic amongst the people there.
Published Jul 22, 2024 | 5:07 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 22, 2024 | 5:07 PM
The Hussain Sagar lake filled with rain water. (Sai Charan Sana/ South First)
The two Telugu states— Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are reeling under the heavy rains this year, caused by the southwest monsoons.
While the states are already facing the brunt of rain, the IMD has forecasted that the rains will continue for another five days, raising concern.
Additionally, rising water levels at different locations across states alongside the floods are building anxiety among the public.
The Amaravati Meteorological Department has forecasted strong surface winds across Andhra Pradesh, with the speed of 30-40 kilometres per hour.
Additionally, pockets of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), are set to receive moderate rainfalls to thunderstorms until 25 July. Anticipating concerning conditions, the IMD has issued a Yellow alert in NCAP, and an Orange alert in SCAP.
Similarly, the IMD has issued Yellow alerts in several parts of Telangana.
Adilabad, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Kamareddy, Mahabubnagar, and Narayanpet districts are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall as per the IMD.
Notably, the forecast for Hyderabad only predicts moderate rains with gusty winds.
Rainfall Spatial distribution forecast of Telangana for next 5 days dated 22.07.2024@TelanganaCMO @SpokespersonECI @ECISVEEP @TelanganaCS @DCsofIndia @IASassociation @IasTelangana @tg_weather @metcentrehyd #ECISVEEP #CMO_Telangana @TelanganaDGP @GHMCOnline @CommissionrGHMC pic.twitter.com/q245fh6sOE
— IMD_Metcentrehyd (@metcentrehyd) July 22, 2024
The heavy rains have led to increased water levels in many reservoirs, and ghats. Following the breach of the 14.830-metre first danger mark, authorities advised caution to those in low-lying areas at Ramannagudem Puskar Ghat, in the Mulugu district of Telangana.
At the same time, the rising water levels of river Godavari at Bhadrachalam is creating panic amongst the people there. As of 10 am on Monday, 22 July, the water levels stand over 47.4 feet, causing the first flood warning to go off.
Reports from Bhadrachalam also suggest that this rise in water levels could cause flooding of about 11.15 lakh cusecs. The second flood warning for Bhadrachalam is set to go off once the water levels reach 48 feet.
Similar reports have come in from the Polavaram Irrigation Project in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, where water levels are set to jump by about 10 metres on Monday. The project along lower Godavari, where the water levels were 23.5 metres at 8 am, is set to cross the 33.9 metre mark by 8 pm.
In Hyderabad, the Hussain Sagar lake has reached its full storage capacity at 513.4 metres putting Irrigation Department Officials on alert. Residents living in low-lying areas have also been advised to be cautious.
Following the floods in both states, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed all officials to act quickly, to ensure the life-loss is prevented.
Similarly, in Telangana too, Agriculture Minister Thummula Nageshwar Rao announced relief for the victims of the Peddavagu Bund breach on 19 July.
Additionally, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has asked all chief engineers not to leave their headquarters. He directed them to monitor hourly inflows and adhere to the standard operation protocols.
Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Sunday, 21 July, directed the Collectors of all districts to be on alert.
Reddy, who held a review on the rain situation in the state, asked the officials to deploy rescue teams and the personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to prevent any loss of life and property in view of the rains and the rising water levels in the Godavari river.
He gave instructions to officials on the steps to be taken in low-lying areas and those facing the threat of flooding, an official release said on Sunday night.
He told them to take precautions to prevent people from crossing rivulets which are in spate.
The revenue minister also urged the officials to set up control rooms in the district Collectorates and to hold coordination meetings with police and other departments, it said.
He emphasised that the water levels in the Godavari River should be monitored continuously.
The heavy rains have impacted many citizens across the state. The closure of roads connecting Andhra and Telangana has led to dreadful commutes in surrounding areas.
On some roads, where the canals and streams have overflowed, there is a complete suspension of traffic. Additionally, the Telangana-Chattisgarh highway, a busy route, has also been cut off due to incessant rains. In Hyderabad, motorists expressed discontent with the traffic flow.
Additionally, the Office of the Director of Public Health has issued a health advisory to help prevent various diseases this season.
The advisory states that measures like providing special beds, I.V. fluids, and essential medicines have been put in place to prepare for the rains.
#Telangana: The Office of the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare issued a general health advisory on 22.07.24.
In light of the IMD’s forecast of heavy rains for the next five days, they advised citizens to take precautions against numerous sicknesses.
The advisory… pic.twitter.com/e71dZKpJNB
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) July 22, 2024
(With PTI inputs)
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
