Flood alert issued in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

Several villages of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are marooned and road and communication links have been cut off following heavy rains over the past few days.

The rising water levels, triggered by heavy rains, have caused floods in Andhra Pradesh, leaving nearly 300 people stranded.

Major rivers like the Godavari, Nagavali and Vamsadhara are in spate due to heavy rains in the higher riparian areas.

The district authorities are gearing up for the emergency evacuation of people, as several rivers are flowing above the danger mark.

In Telangana, the initial danger warning was issued at Bhadrachalam in Khamma District as the water level in the River Godavari had crossed 45 feet last evening.

The flood water is also at a dangerous level in Eturunagaram in Warangal District.

About 90 villages in Khammam, Warangal and Adilabad Districts are cut off by flood waters flowing across roads, causeways and bridges.

The district authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have sought the cooperation of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) to meet any emergencies. In Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh, the River Vamsadhara is in spate following heavy rains in the upper catchment areas of neighbouring Odisha.

Authorities have issued the second danger warning near the Gotta barrage and released more than a lakh cusecs of flood water downstream from the barrage. People in about 120 villages on the banks of the rivers have been alerted and the National Disaster Relief Force is being sent to the affected areas as standby.

Meteorological Department officials have warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall can occur in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana today and tomorrow.