Godavari rise threatens flood-hit villages as Sabari level falls

Flooding in the Sabari river has affected more than 3,200 families and submerged 18 villages in the Chintoor agency area of Polavaram district, authorities said. The Sabari’s inflow had receded by Sunday night, offering some relief to affected communities. However, the rising Godavari river created a fresh risk of flooding in villages along the banks of both rivers.

According to the Godavari flood report, the water level at Bhadrachalam stood at 42.80 feet on Sunday night, with a discharge of 9.22 lakh cusecs. The first Godavari flood warning is issued when the water reaches 43 feet. Floodwater from Bhadrachalam is expected to reach Chintoor on Monday.

Authorities have therefore alerted residents of at least 160 villages about the rising water levels and the possibility of further submergence. Subham Nokwal, project officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency, said 134 women requiring antenatal care had been shifted to nearby hospitals. He also said 105 relief centres would remain open in the Chintoor agency area during the Godavari flood threat.

Mr Nokwal inspected inflows into the Sabari river at a bridge in Chintoor, according to the report. The inspection took place as authorities monitored the changing levels of the two rivers. The immediate flood situation therefore remained mixed: water in the Sabari was receding, but the expected arrival of floodwater from Bhadrachalam and the rising Godavari posed a new danger.

The supplied material does not provide details of additional evacuations, damage to infrastructure or the expected duration of the flooding.