Rising water levels in Godavari river prompts evacuation

The people living in low-lying Lanka villages in the East Godavari district were shifted to safer places as the water level in Godavari river, which is in flood due to heavy rains, reached 13.75 feet this evening.

"Second warning was issued at Dowleswaram, and necessary precautions were taken in East Godavari district to evacuate the people in low-lying Lanka villages," district collector H Arun Kumar said.

The river's level at Bhadrachalam was reported as 52.40 feet this evening, and the third warning may be issued if it reaches 53 feet.

Relief camp locations have been identified, and those affected by the floods would be given rice, dal and kerosene.

Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the Godavari for fishing in the coming two days.

Kumar visited Godavari Barrage at Dowleswaram to assess the flood situation earlier in the day.