Officials deploy NDRF and SDRF teams in Eluru district as Godavari river swells

With the Godavari River swelling, authorities have deployed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams in Velerupadu and Kukunoor mandals of Eluru district on Saturday. Over 900 families have been affected by the rising waters, officials said.

Revenue and police officials issued flood alerts, urging residents in vulnerable villages to move to relief camps and Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) colonies.

At 7 p.m., the water level at Bhadrachalam reached 41 feet. At the Polavaram Project, the level stood at 31.430 metres, with the Irrigation Department discharging 7.43 lakh cusecs downstream by lifting 48 gates.

Speaking to The Hindu, Jangareddygudem Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) M.V. Ramana said that 60 NDRF personnel were deployed in the affected mandals, with SDRF teams also on standby. “With Yeddu Vaagu overflowing, instructions were issued to evacuate villagers from cut-off areas using boats. Boats have been stationed at other vulnerable locations as well,” the RDO said.

District Collector K. Vetriselvi has directed officials on flood duty to supply rice, vegetables, edible oil, and other essentials to flood-prone villages. “People are being moved to safer locations wherever necessary,” added Ms. Ramana.

The RDO also stated that Mandal Revenue Officers (MROs) and Irrigation Department officials have been instructed to monitor the situation round-the-clock.