Godavari breathes easy as Mulugu withdraws final flood warning

Hanumakonda: The flood situation in the Godavari river in Mulugu district has returned to normal after four days of high inflows, with the Irrigation Department officially withdrawing the first and final flood warning at Ramannagudem on Sunday.

The warning had been issued after heavy rainfall triggered by a low-pressure system in the Godavari basin, including the Medigadda barrage and Indravati catchment areas. On July 31 at 2.05 am, the river touched 14.83 metres, prompting the first flood warning. The situation escalated rapidly as the water level rose to 15.83 metres at 5.20 am, leading to the second warning, before peaking at 17.33 metres by 10 pm, necessitating the third warning.

With inflows gradually declining, the river began receding. The third warning was withdrawn on August 1 after the level dropped to 17.32 metres at 3 am. Later that evening, at 5.10 pm, the water level fell to 15.82 metres, allowing officials to withdraw the second warning.

According to the latest readings, the water level at Ramannagudem receded further to 14.82 metres at 11.50 am on Sunday, prompting the withdrawal of the first warning and signalling a return to normal conditions.

District Irrigation Officer B. Appalanayudu said flood discharge at the Sammakka Sagar barrage has also been steadily decreasing. He added that the updated flood status has been communicated to officials of the Irrigation, Revenue and Police departments across the Godavari basin to facilitate follow-up measures.

Appalanayudu thanked district officials, public representatives, personnel from various departments and media representatives for their coordinated efforts in effectively managing the flood situation.