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Published 11:26 IST, September 9th 2019

Godavari rising: APSDMA issues warning as water levels increase

First level flood warning has been issued by the APSDMA as the water level in Godavari river continues to rise. 283 villages are prone to severe flooding

Reported by: Akriti Tyagi
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The state of Andhra Pradesh is on high alert as AP State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) issued a first-level flood warning on Sunday for rising water levels. The Dowaleswaram, Polavaram, and Kunavaram reservoirs have been affected. Along with this, a second level flood warning has been issued in the state of Telangana in light of the rising water level in Badhrachalam dam, as reported by ANI.

Read I More than 157 killed in mass floods across several states in India

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The Return of the Floods

In Kunavaram, the water level as at 10 pm on Sunday was 39.18 meters, while the danger level is at 39.24 meters. While in Polavaram, the water level is at 27.78 meters.

It has been reported that during the early hours of Sunday, when the inflow and outflow of floodwater at Dowlaiswaram Barrage in Andhra Pradesh touched 10 lakh cusecs, the Water Resources Department issued the first flood warning. The APSDMA officials further estimate that the water flowing through the barrage could cross 13 lakh cusecs by Monday morning and second level flood warning could be issued.

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Villages Affected

The state of Andhra Pradesh is suffering due to the sheer magnitude of villages which are estimated to be affected. Reportedly, at least 283 villages in East Godavari and West Godavari districts are prone to severe flooding. Most of the affected villages are in Kunavaram, Nellipaka, Vararamchandra Puram, Devipatnam and other mandals in East Godavari and in Polavaram, Tallapudi, Kovvur, and others of West Godavari.

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Disaster Management

APSDMA officials have reportedly said over 240 rescue personnel of State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force, and AP Fire Services teams were deployed in Veeravaram, Chinturu, Rampachodavaram and other areas. Boats, life jackets, and other rescue equipment were also reportedly sent.

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River Krishna

Meanwhile, the flooding of river Krishna and its tributaries also continues to wreak havoc. Due to the heavy rains and discharges from the Maharashtra dam, its tributaries Doodhganga and Vedganga are reportedly flowing above danger mark in Belagavi district, posing a threat to several villages and towns. It has been reported that several monuments in the world heritage site Hampi, have been submerged.

Read I Karnataka Floods: 1024 villages affected; NDRF, SDRF, Army & Navy deployed

The saga continues

It has not even been a month and the rivers Godavari and Krishna are once again reeling in the natural calamity. The recent heavy floods which occurred in river Godavari was between July 30 and August 17. Heavy floods had inundated villages and had reportedly displaced over 40,000 people, who were forced to move to relief camps. According to reports, several acres of horticulture and agriculture crops were submerged.

09:53 IST, September 9th 2019