Heavy rainfall in Chhattisgarh has led to a significant rise in the water level of the Godavari River, prompting officials to issue a third warning at Bhadrachalam. The flood level has crossed 56 feet, and over 15 lakh cusecs of water have been discharged downstream. The water level at the Polavaram dam has reached 11.96 metres.
As a result, floodwaters have inundated several villages in Eluru district, including Vaddegudem village in V.R. Puram mandal. Roads have been cut off, and low-lying areas have been isolated. Streams and rivulets upstream are in spate, and the water level is expected to continue rising.
In response to the situation, authorities have evacuated villagers from Repakagommu, Gommugudem, Latchagudem, and other habitations in Velerupadu and Kukunoor mandals. Thirty boats have been arranged to shift the villagers to flood relief camps set up on higher ground. Medical camps have been established, and drinking water and food are being provided in the rehabilitation camps.
Teams from various departments, including Revenue, Tribal Welfare, Medical and Health, Panchayat Raj, and Rural Water Supply, are involved in the evacuation and rehabilitation efforts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the District Response Force of Eluru district have also been deployed.
To prevent accidents, the police have posted pickets to stop people from crossing low-level bridges or going into the Godavari to fish or boat. The movement of country-made boats has been banned, as the river is in spate.
The situation is being closely monitored, and officials are working to mitigate the impact of the floods. Villagers are requested to cooperate with the officers on flood duty and follow their instructions to ensure their safety.
