Hyderabad, July 30: Continuous heavy rainfall across Mulugu and Jayashankar Bhupalpally districts has triggered rising floodwaters, disrupted transportation and coal production, and increased inflows into the Medigadda Barrage. A 40 year old man also went missing after being swept away in Jampanna Vagu near Medaram.
Police have launched a search operation while authorities remain on high alert as rivers, streams and reservoirs continue to receive heavy inflows.
Timmaiah, a resident of Kondamadugu village in Medchal district, was hired to drive a group of devotees to Medaram. He reportedly entered Jampanna Vagu for a bath before visiting the temple but was swept away by the strong current.
Locals tried to rescue him but were unsuccessful. Police, assisted by local residents, have launched a search operation to trace him.
The Sammakka Sagar Project is receiving an inflow of 2,37,300 cusecs, while 2,34,994 cusecs are being released downstream. Officials are also pumping 2,306 cusecs of water through nine motors at the Devadula Lift Irrigation Scheme.
Authorities have advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Godavari River and warned residents in low lying areas to stay away from riverbanks as floodwaters continue to rise. Water levels at Laknavaram Lake in Govindaraopet mandal have reached 20.10 feet following persistent rainfall.
In Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, heavy rainwater accumulation has disrupted coal production at the Kakatiya Opencast 2 and 3 mines. Singareni officials said mining equipment became stuck in the mud, affecting the production of around 16,000 tonnes of coal.
The Medigadda Barrage at Ambatipalli village is receiving an inflow of 81,060 cusecs. Irrigation officials have opened 85 gates to release an equal volume of water downstream as a precaution.
Officials cautioned residents of low lying villages to remain alert, warning that inflows into the barrage could increase further if rainfall continues.
Floodwaters also washed away a road connecting Garimellapalli in Tekumatla mandal and Odedu in Mutharam mandal, disrupting transportation. Authorities have urged people to stay away from overflowing streams and flooded areas.
