Andhra floods: 15L cusecs water released from Godavari; several Lanka villages submerged

East Godavari: More than 130 villages in East Godavari districts have been inundated due to floods. Many people have lost connection to the outside world as the flood has snapped all communication lines.

On Wednesday morning, 15 lakh cusecs of water were discharged from Godavari into the Dowlaswaram Barrage. Later it was released from the barrage downstream causing flooding to Kuna Lanka, Baduguvani Lanka, G Pedapudi Lanka, Arikaval Peta, Burugu Lanka, Ayodyapeta, Pedda Valla Lanka, and Thoka Lanka. According to the locals, they have been caught unawares this year as Godavari witnessed flooding a month early.

Every year, before the rains, the residents in Lanka villages store all the essentials to meet exigency during a flood situation. They generally do not come out of their houses until the water level recedes.

Traveling in local boats

Sabari, one of the main tributaries of Godavari, is flowing at a dangerous level. All roads have been submerged. Locals are using boats to get essentials. Even the students going to school had to walk through the flood water. Around 130 villages with more than 6000 residents have been submerged. The power supply too has been snapped. "This has been the situation for many areas. The government should construct a bridge to solve these problems. Every time there is the discharge of water from the Godavari, we are at risk. Our crops get damaged", said a local from Pedapudi Lanka.

"Insects and snakes enter our houses. We even need a boat to go to the hospital. After 8 pm, local boats are unavailable. If it's an emergency, the person dies for want of a boat", said a local at one of the Lanka villages.