First Flood Warning Issued as Godavari River Surpasses 43-Foot Mark at Bhadrachalam
Authorities in Bhadradri Kothagudem district have issued the first flood warning after water levels in the Godavari river exceeded the 43-foot mark at Bhadrachalam on Friday morning. The rise in water levels follows substantial inflows arriving from upstream catchment areas and irrigation projects.
What Happened
At 10:14 a.m. on Friday, the Godavari river reached and surpassed the designated first flood warning mark of 43 feet at Bhadrachalam in Telangana. In response, administrative authorities enforced protocol outlined in the flood manual, officially issuing the first warning level.
To manage the situation and provide assistance, a 24×7 flood control room has been activated at the Integrated District Offices Complex in Kothagudem. Residents requiring flood-related information or emergency communication can contact the control room by landline at 08744-241950 or via WhatsApp at 9392919743.
Key Highlights
- Water Level: Godavari crossed the first warning mark of 43 feet at Bhadrachalam at 10:14 a.m. on Friday.
- Emergency Contacts: A round-the-clock control room is operational at 08744-241950, alongside a WhatsApp helpline at 9392919743.
- Public Alert: Residents of low-lying areas and villages located along the riverbanks have been placed on alert.
- Upstream Inflows: Sripada Yellampalli Project in Peddapalli district recorded water levels at 147.41 metres, nearing its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 148 metres.
- Water Discharge: Fifteen out of 62 gates at the Sripada Yellampalli Project were raised to release roughly 1.08 lakh cusecs downstream against an inflow of 1.31 lakh cusecs recorded at 11:48 a.m.
Why This Matters
With major upstream reservoirs approaching capacity, continuous water discharges directly influence downstream river levels. Because the Sripada Yellampalli Project is releasing over one lakh cusecs into the river system, downstream areas along the Godavari, particularly river-bank communities and low-lying settlements in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, face a heightened risk of escalating water levels.
What to Watch Next
Officials are monitoring water release rates from upstream reservoirs and assessing whether river levels at Bhadrachalam will rise further. Residents in riverside settlements are advised to remain alert and track official communications via the established control room channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the first flood warning at Bhadrachalam?
The first flood warning was issued when the Godavari river crossed the 43-foot threshold at 10:14 a.m. on Friday, driven by heavy inflows from catchment areas.
How can people contact the flood control room in Bhadradri Kothagudem?
The 24×7 flood control room at the Integrated District Offices Complex in Kothagudem can be reached by phone at 08744 241950 or through WhatsApp at 9392919743.
What is the status of the Sripada Yellampalli Project?
The Sripada Yellampalli Project in Peddapalli district reached a water level of 147.41 metres against its full reservoir level of 148 metres. As of Friday morning, 15 gates were opened to discharge approximately 1.08 lakh cusecs of water downstream.
Source: Information reported by The Hindu.