Godavari water levels surge: Bhadrachalam crosses second warning, reaches 51.20 ft; authorities on high alert

HYDERABAD: The Godavari water levels at the temple town of Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem have risen above the second warning level. At 11 am on Thursday, the water level reached 51.20 ft.

The second warning was already in force after levels touched 48 ft on Wednesday night.Authorities have warned that if the levels reach 53 ft, a third warning will be issued. At that point, the river discharge will be 14.26 lakh cusecs. Currently, at the second warning level, the discharge is 11.44 lakh cusecs.Officials in Bhadradri Kothagudem are on alert, and villages along the river have been informed.

Residents will be shifted to safer locations if there is a threat of flooding. The district administration has deployed police, revenue and municipal staff, panchayat raj officials, expert swimmers, and the disaster response force to handle any emergency.A control room has been set up at the sub-collector’s office in Bhadrachalam. People can call 08743-232444 or 79812-19425 in case of emergencies, said Collector Jitesh Patil.