Flood Threat Looms Large as Krishna, Godavari Rivers Swell in Andhra Pradesh

Vijayawada: Incessant rains in upstream catchment areas have triggered massive inflows into the Krishna and Godavari rivers, forcing authorities to issue a first flood warning at the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada on Tuesday. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has urged residents in low-lying areas downstream to remain on high alert.

At Prakasam Barrage, officials reported an inflow of 4.01 lakh cusecs, which was being released downstream. With water levels continuing to rise, inflows are expected to touch nearly 6 lakh cusecs by evening. To handle the surge, 69 of the 70 crest gates have been opened to discharge surplus water into the sea.

Major reservoirs on the Krishna and Godavari rivers are also under pressure. The Srisailam dam recorded inflows of 3.42 lakh cusecs with outflows of 4.04 lakh cusecs, while Nagarjuna Sagar in Telangana saw 3.71 lakh cusecs flowing in and 3.98 lakh cusecs released downstream. In Telangana’s Bhadrachalam, the Godavari level rose to 36.6 feet, and at Dowleswaram Barrage near Rajahmundry, inflows reached 8.23 lakh cusecs.

Warning of worsening conditions, APSDMA Managing Director Prakhar Jain cautioned people living along the banks of the Krishna, Godavari and Tungabhadra rivers to avoid crossing swollen streams and canals. Fishermen have also been advised to stay away from the sea.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh, along with squally winds of 35–45 km/h. A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified on Tuesday and crossed the Odisha coast near Gopalpur, bringing heavy rains to parts of north coastal Andhra.

In view of the situation, Special Chief Secretary (Disaster Management) G. Vijayalaxmi held a review meeting with Collectors of 13 districts located along the two river basins. She directed them to keep National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams ready, alert residents of vulnerable pockets, and, if required, move people to relief camps.

District officials have also been instructed to stock essential commodities, medicines and sanitation materials in anticipation of possible evacuations.