Villagers cautioned as flood level rises in Godavari

With the flood level rising in Godavari river, officials of various departments have been asked to remain alert and take measures to prevent human loss in Eluru district.

Flood level at Bhadrachalam was recorded at 33.7 feet on Sunday evening, the Central Water Commission (CWC) officials said. Irrigation Department authorities said that the water level was at 30.400 metres at Polavaram project, and the officials released 5.52 lakh cusecs to the downstream.

Collector K. Vetri Selvi directed the officials to be alert, and keep boats and expert swimmers ready as a precautionary measure. She asked the villagers not to cross river on boats and go into waters for fishing and swimming.

“As Godavari is in spate and heavy rain forecast is issued, villagers were asked not to into the river. Officials of Revenue, ITDA, Panchayat Raj, Medical and Health, Police, Sachivalayam and other departments were asked to remain in their posted villages,” said an officer deployed on flood duty in Eluru district.

Control room opened

Villagers staying in the low-lying areas at Velerupadu, Kukunur, Jeelugumilli and other mandals were cautioned as there is heavy rain prediction for the next two days. Tribals residing in the habitations along the river bank were asked not to cross the overflowing rivulets and ‘saptas’ (low-lying bridges) in the Agency villages.

Officials have opened a control room at Eluru Collectorate as the water level in Godavari is rising. Public may dial 1800-233-1077 or call on 94910 41419 in cases of emergency, the Collector said.

PGRS cancelled

Eluru District Revenue Officer (DRO) V. Visweswara Rao announced that the Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS), scheduled on August 18 (Monday), has been cancelled due to heavy rainfall prediction.

Eluru MP Putta Mahesh Kumar directed the officials to evacuate the people staying in vulnerable places and shift them to rehabilitation centres. “Due to heavy rainfall prediction and flood alert issued for Godavari river, public are requested not to enter the river and shift to safer locations,” Mr. Mahesh Kumar said.

He directed the district officials to supply milk, drinking water, vegetables and other essentials to the villagers staying in vulnerable places. “The Fire, Revenue, A.P. Transco and the police should coordinate and take rescue and rehabilitation operations in the Agency villages,” the MP said.