The Hindu : Front Page : 30 villages in East Godavari cut off

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Friday, Aug 08, 2008
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30 villages in East Godavari cut off

Staff Reporter

Heavy inflows into Godavari from catchment areas cause floods

– Photo: S. Rambabu

Sorry plight: Women leaving Toyyeru village, which was inundated by floodwaters, on Thursday.

KAKINADA: At least 30 villages in Devipatnam mandal of East Godavari district were marooned on Thursday following floods in the Godavari.

Heavy inflows into the river from its catchment areas during the last 24 hours were posing a threat to several villages situated along its bank with those in Devipatnam mandal being the worst hit. These 30 villages were cut off from the rest of the district as more water continues to flow even though there was a reprieve from torrential rain on Thursday morning.

Beach inundated

Gautami and Sabari, tributaries of the Godavari, are in spate in Yanam, inundating the Rajiv Gandhi beach and some low-lying areas like Balayogi Colony.

Low-lying areas in P. Gannavaram, Ainavilli, I.Polavaram, Mummidivaram, Malkipuram, Sakhinetipalli and Mamidikuduru mandals faced inundation. There were breaches to flood banks at several places in Konaseema area which has always borne the brunt of nature’s fury, whether it is a cyclone or floods.

It is estimated that paddy crop in over 20,000 acres has been submerged although district officials are yet to receive detailed reports of the total flood damage to the agriculture sector. Fishermen and people were warned not to travel in launches and boats on the Godavari to avert any untoward incident.

Village revenue officers have been deputed to supervise relief and rescue operations with other officers and staff concerned. The Godavari’s tributaries such as Vasishta, Gautami and Vainateya are contributing to massive inflows into the river.

Meanwhile, all 175 crest gates of Dowleswaram project were opened as the water level crossed 12.80 feet, against the first danger mark of 11.75 ft. The flood discharge reached nearly 12 lakh cusecs. Water level at the barrage is currently stable.

At Bhadrachalam, the water level was 41.44 ft, according to an official of the head water works of Godavari river.

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