Speaking to TNM, Bhavesh Mishra, sub-collector for Kothagudem Bhadradri, said, “As of 7 pm on Saturday, the water-level has reached 46.6 feet. The water-level will reach 48 feet on Sunday.” However, he noted that the water appeared to be rising as a slow speed.
“So far no major damage has been reported. At the current speed of water, we don’t think there will be any inundation. Only if the water-level rises beyond 53 feet, we have to evacuate people from the low-lying areas and set up relief camps,” he said.
He added, “Irrespective of the water-level, we have made arrangements. Rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force are on standby.”
Due to continuous rains in Maharashtra, the five dam gates have been opened to release excess water, which has increased water flow in Bhadrachalam.
A 30-member NDRF team has been dispatched. Three months of supplies have been stocked, and the villages prone to inundation have been identified, according to the Collector’s office.
Meanwhile, according to a report by PTI, 60 villages in the East and West Godavari districts, Andhra Pradesh, have been marooned, and road connectivity to more than 10 villages in Polavaram region of West Godavari and Devipatnam mandal in East Godavari have been totally cut off.
The report adds that two teams of 120 NDRF members have been deployed in the two districts, and three SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams have been deployed in East Godavari.
According to the government, 32 habitations under Devipatnam mandal and other adjoining areas have been affected by the flood. The government on Saturday issued an order to provide each family affected with flood with 25 kilograms of rice, 2 litres of kerosene, 1 kilogram red gram, 1 kilogram of onions and 1 kilogram of potatos.
In Polavaram mandal, district officials have set up four relief camps.