Godavari flood threat looms as water level likely to touch 43 feet at Bhadrachalam

Bhadrachalam : The Godavari river is witnessing a steady rise in water levels at Bhadrachalam, with irrigation officials forecasting that the river could reach the first warning level of 43 feet on Friday following a massive inflow from the Indravati river.

The Godavari was flowing at 28.4 feet at present, officials said, adding that nearly 10 lakh cusecs of water from the Indravati was joining the river, triggering apprehension of a further rise in the water level.

Officials have estimated that the Godavari could rise up to 45 feet depending on the intensity and duration of the inflows from the upstream areas.

The administration and irrigation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in the low-lying areas along the river, in view of the possibility of a rapid rise in the water level.

Officials said the situation was being reviewed continuously and necessary precautionary measures would be taken if the river approaches the warning levels.