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Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas along Krishna and Godavari rivers to remain alert. Avoid travelling through streams, canals, other waterlogged areas, they said
Water flows in the Krishna and Godavari rivers are already at significant levels. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. (Photo: News18 Telugu)
Authorities have issued a flood warning for parts of Andhra Pradesh, as heavy rains and rising river levels threaten communities in Uttarandhra and Nandyal districts. The Visakhapatnam Cyclone Warning Centre, in coordination with the state Disaster Management Department, has forecast light to moderate rainfall in isolated pockets of these regions over the coming days.
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The warning comes as meteorologists track a developing low-pressure system in the northern and adjoining central Bay of Bengal. This system, expected to form by Wednesday, could intensify rainfall and influence river flow patterns across the state.
Rising Flood Levels In Krishna & Godavari Rivers
Water flows in the Krishna and Godavari rivers are already at significant levels. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as further increases could impact thousands of residents living in flood-prone areas.
As per the current reports:
Krishna River: Water level expected to reach up to 7 lakh cusecs at the Prakasam Barrage.
Godavari River: Water level to surge to around 11 lakh cusecs at Dhavaleswaram.
At specific sites, as of Sunday evening:
Sunkesula Project: There is an inflow of 83,350 cusecs, and an outflow of 81,280 cusecs.
Srisailam Dam: 5.93 lakh cusecs inflow, 5.90 lakh cusecs outflow.
Nagarjuna Sagar: 5.88 lakh cusecs inflow and outflow.
Pulichintala: 6.30 lakh cusecs inflow, 6.09 lakh cusecs outflow.
Prakasam Barrage: Significant flow continues.
For the Godavari River, flood levels are at 43.4 feet in Bhadrachalam, and 18.46 metres in Kunavaram.
At Polavaram, inflow is recorded at 12.01 metres, with Dhavaleswaram Cotton Barrage seeing 10.32 lakh cusecs of inflow. Authorities expect these levels to rise to around 11 lakh cusecs.
Precautionary Measures And Relief Operations
The state has deputed several teams to respond to the situation. Two teams each from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are deployed in Krishna, Bapatla, Konaseema, Alluri Seetharamaraju, and Kurnool districts. These units are on standby for immediate relief and rescue operations.
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying areas along the Krishna and Godavari rivers to remain alert and take necessary precautions until the floodwaters recede. This includes avoiding travel through streams, canals, and other waterlogged areas.
Officials have also prohibited bathing at river ghats along the Krishna River near the Prakasam Barrage — particularly relevant during festivals such as Dussehra and Navaratri — due to strong currents and safety risks. Devotees are advised to limit themselves to water baths under safer conditions.
Why This Flood Threat Matters
The Krishna and Godavari rivers are among Andhra Pradesh’s largest and most vital waterways. Their basins support agriculture, drinking water supply, hydroelectric projects, and fishing industries for millions of residents. But seasonal monsoon rains, combined with upstream dam releases, can quickly cause dangerous flood surges.
Recent weather patterns have heightened risks this year. A combination of above-average rainfall in catchment areas and the potential low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal has raised alarms among meteorologists and disaster managers.
This flood warning is not isolated — it reflects a broader trend in the region. Extreme weather events, including heavy rains and cyclonic activity in the Bay of Bengal, have become more frequent in recent years, driven by changing climate patterns. For states like Andhra Pradesh, these conditions pose increasing challenges for disaster preparedness and response.
How Floods Impact Economy
Flood warnings of this scale have far-reaching consequences. Large-scale flooding can damage crops, disrupt transportation, and threaten power supply systems. For farmers in Krishna and Godavari basins, timely warnings are crucial — floodwaters can wipe out paddy fields, sugarcane plantations, and other crops, affecting livelihoods for months.
Flood control measures, such as dam releases, are a balancing act between protecting communities downstream and safeguarding upstream infrastructure. These decisions have economic repercussions, from agricultural losses to the cost of emergency response operations.
Additionally, floods often disrupt daily life, forcing the temporary evacuation of residents and halting commerce in affected districts. Relief operations require significant manpower and resources, stretching state disaster response capacities.
What’s Next?
Meteorologists and disaster management authorities continue to monitor rainfall trends and river inflows closely. Forecasts for the coming days will determine whether the situation worsens or stabilizes.
Residents in vulnerable areas are advised to:
- Stay updated with official warnings and advisories.
- Avoid traveling through flooded areas or crossing rivers.
- Prepare evacuation kits with essentials.
- Follow instructions from local authorities for safety.
As the monsoon season continues, the situation in Uttarandhra and Nandyal underscores the importance of robust disaster preparedness. For many residing along the Krishna and Godavari rivers, the coming days will test community resilience and the effectiveness of early warning systems.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 30, 2025, 11:49 IST
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