The water level in the Godavari river in Telangana's Bhradrachalam breached the 'danger' mark on Saturday and is now flowing at 49.53 metres as recorded by the Central Water Commission (CWC) at 6 am on Sunday. The 'Danger' mark in the river stands at 48.77 metres and the highest flood level recorded till date stands at 55.66 metres, as per CWC. Amid the flood-like situation and the danger that it poses, district administration began relief operations and all officials have been asked to stay on high alert, reported news agency ANI. The death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 16 in the state, PTI reported. As per an official release by the government, around 19,000 people have been shifted to safer places in many districts.
The flood level at Bhadrachalam (in Telangana) is expected to go down to 49.3 metres at 9 am from the present 49.53 metres (6 am).
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been pressed into service and several people, including those who required medical help, were rescued in boats. Food packets were dropped to those who took shelter at the high ground in parts of the state by helicopters.
Agricultural fields in several districts suffered damage due to heavy rains and flooding.
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The bodies of eight people, who got swept away in the flood waters in the Mulugu district following heavy rains, were fished out on Friday.
In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asked the collectors of Alluri Sitharamaraju, Eluru, Ambedkar Konaseema, East, and West Godavari districts to closely monitor the situation amid the rising water level of the Godavari river, IANS reported.