Godavari Turns Fierce at Bhadrachalam as Flood Alert Hits Danger Level

The Godavari River is flowing dangerously at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem district after the water level crossed the third flood warning mark. The river, which first crossed 43 feet on Friday morning and 48 feet by afternoon, later rose beyond 53 feet and touched around 55 to 56 feet by Saturday, forcing authorities to issue a serious flood alert for riverside and low-lying areas.

Officials said the flood flow is very heavy, with nearly 15 lakh to 15.96 lakh cusecs of water moving downstream. The rise is mainly due to heavy rains in upstream areas and large inflows from Godavari basin projects, including water released from the Sammakka Barrage and other reservoirs.

The flood has already affected road connectivity in several areas. Traffic on routes between Bhadrachalam, Charla, Dummugudem, Kunavaram, VR Puram, Chinturu and nearby areas has been disrupted as floodwater entered roads and low-level crossings. Bathing ghats at Parnasala and several riverside spots have also gone underwater.

The district administration has moved into emergency mode. Collector Ankit and SP Rohit Raju inspected flood-hit and low-lying areas and directed officials to shift vulnerable people to relief centres. Revenue, police, irrigation and rescue teams are monitoring the situation closely, while people near the river have been told not to go out unless it is urgent.

Authorities have also kept rehabilitation centres ready and opened flood control support for the public. People have been advised to contact the control room at 08744 241950 or WhatsApp 9392919743 for flood-related help and information. Officials also warned people not to cross flooded roads, streams or causeways, as strong currents can be dangerous even when water looks shallow.