Flood warning sounded as discharge increases

Vijayawada, Aug 11 (UNI) The Irrigation Department sounded the first flood warning to people downstream the Prakasham Barrage, following an increase in the inflow forcing release of more water into the sea.

Department sources told UNI that all the 70 crest gates were lifted and the discharge of surplus water crossed 3.97 lakhs cusecs tonight.

Inflow into the barrage from Nagarajuna Sagar Dam stood at 4.2 lakhs cusecs. It was likely to increase further by tomorrow.

About 17,000 cusecs of water was released to irrigation canals.

Meanwhile, about 20 families living at the banks of river Krishna, downstream the barrage, were shifted to a community hall at Ranigarithota and to a municipal school in Patamata, officials added.

UNI