Godavari River Floods Submerge Bhadrachalam, Telangana

Rising Water Levels Force Evacuations, Damage Infrastructure

Situation Remains Critical as Heavy Rainfall Continues

The Godavari River in Telangana has breached its banks, causing severe flooding in the town of Bhadrachalam and surrounding areas. The incessant rainfall has led to a rapid rise in water levels, submerging homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of thousands of residents to higher ground. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to assist those stranded by the floodwaters. However, the rising water levels and strong currents are making rescue operations challenging.

Sriram Sagar Project Releases Excess Water

The situation has been further exacerbated by the release of excess water from the Sriram Sagar Project (SRSP) upstream. The SRSP is a major dam and hydroelectric power plant on the Godavari River. The heavy inflows into the reservoir have forced officials to release water, which has contributed to the flooding downstream.

The SRSP is one of the largest dams in India and is a crucial source of irrigation for the surrounding agricultural areas. However, the heavy rains have caused the reservoir to reach its maximum capacity, necessitating the release of excess water.

Impact on Transportation and Communication

The flooding has also severely disrupted transportation and communication in the region. Several roads have been submerged, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach affected areas. Bridges and culverts have also been damaged, cutting off access to some communities.

Telecommunication networks have also been affected by the flooding, disrupting mobile and internet services. This has made it challenging for residents to stay connected with family and friends and to access essential information.

Government Response

The Telangana government has declared a state of emergency and deployed disaster response teams to assist in rescue and relief operations. Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has visited affected areas and announced financial assistance for those affected by the floods.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been deployed to assist in the rescue and relief efforts. NDRF teams are providing essential supplies, medical assistance, and evacuation support to those in need.

Outlook

The situation remains critical as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days. The Godavari River is likely to remain flooded for an extended period, and the risk of further damage and infrastructure collapse remains high.

Residents in affected areas are advised to stay vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. Evacuation orders should be obeyed promptly, and people should avoid flooded areas to minimize risk.