The Eluru district administration has stepped up precautionary measures as rising water levels in the Godavari river heightened the flood threat in vulnerable areas of Velerupadu and Kukkunoor mandals.

District Collector K. Vetri Selvi on Friday directed officials to shift residents from flood-prone and low-lying areas to safer locations without delay and ensure that rehabilitation centres were fully equipped to handle emergencies. The directions were issued during a review meeting at the Velerupadu Tahsildar’s office, attended by Joint Collector M. J. Abhishek Gowda, Assistant Collector Ch. Sravan Reddy and other senior officials.

After inspecting the vulnerable areas, Ms. Selvi said the district administration was fully prepared to deal with any emergency and appealed to people to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities. She instructed officials to study the impact of previous floods and implement preventive measures accordingly.

Residents have been advised against entering rivers for swimming, fishing or other activities. Public announcements are being made in villages, particularly in habitations along the Godavari river and Pedda Vagu. Officials have also been asked to keep rescue teams, boats and trained swimmers on standby.

Special attention is being given to pregnant women, children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Medical camps have been set up with essential medicines, including anti-snake venom, while 750 tarpaulins have already been distributed in vulnerable areas.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed. Four rescue boats have already been stationed in the region, while eight more are expected shortly. Seven heavy-duty generators have been arranged for Velerupadu mandal and five for Kukkunoor mandal.

Control rooms will function round the clock, while arrangements are being made to relocate livestock and ensure adequate supplies of fodder and drinking water.

Meanwhile, the first flood warning remains in force at Bhadrachalam, where the Godavari water level touched 43 feet, with a discharge of more than 9.32 lakh cusecs. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise in the river basin.

According to official records, the highest flood level in the Godavari’s history was recorded in 1986, when the river reached 75.60 feet and the discharge was 27.02 lakh cusecs. During the 2022 floods, the water level rose to 71.30 feet, with a discharge of 24.43 lakh cusecs.

Published - July 31, 2026 07:56 pm IST