Godavari Second Flood Warning: Relief Intensifies in Konaseema, Polavaram

The Godavari river continued to swell on Saturday, with the flood level crossing the second warning mark at the Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Dowleswaram, East Godavari district. As much as 14 lakh cusecs of floodwater is being discharged into the Bay of Bengal, while only 8,400 cusecs is being released into the delta region.

In response to the escalating situation, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar said relief operations have been stepped up in line with the prescribed flood protocol for a second warning. “We have intensified relief operations as per the flood protocol for the second flood warning,” he told The Hindu. Boats and personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed across the district to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts.

In the neighbouring Polavaram district, evacuation work is underway in full swing in the Chintoor agency area. Officials said 118 relief camps have been readied to shelter people affected by the rising waters of the Sabari and Godavari rivers. The camps are equipped to provide food, drinking water, and basic amenities to displaced families.

The Project Officer of the Chintoor Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) said distribution of essential commodities to affected people has already begun. “We are distributing commodities to the affected people. At least 10,000 mosquito nets are ready for distribution and 9,000 nets will be made available by Sunday evening,” the officer told The Hindu.

Local administration has urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations and cooperate with relief teams. Authorities are maintaining a close watch on the flood situation and have kept communication channels open for emergency alerts.

The flood warning at the second level indicates a significant rise in water levels, necessitating heightened preparedness. Officials from both districts are coordinating with village-level volunteers and panchayat representatives to ensure timely evacuation and relief. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rainfall in the catchment areas over the next 24 hours, which may keep the flood levels elevated.

This is the second instance of the Godavari breaching the warning mark this monsoon season. The earlier warning had prompted similar pre-emptive measures. The barrage, a key irrigation structure, is being operated to balance the inflow and outflow, with the priority being the safety of the surrounding habitations.