Flood warning continues at Prakasam Barrage

Vijayawada, Aug 12 (UNI) Though discharge of surplus flood water from Nagarjunasagar to Prakasam Barrage due to heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas slightly decreased today, the first flood warning given by the Irrigation Department here last night for people downstream of the barrage was still operational following the release of more water into the sea.

Irrigation Department sources told UNI that about 4.12 lakh cusecs of surplus water was let into the sea at 1100 hrs and 17,495 cusecs of water released to irrigation canals.

The first flood warning was issued after the water receipt touched 3.97 lakh cusecs at the barrage.All 70 crest gates at the barrage were lifted fully to release the flood water to the sea.

As much as 3.46 lakh cusecs of flood water was released again by the authorities at Nagarjunasagar Dam this morning. The surplus water would reach Prakasam Barrage by tomorrow and then discharged into the sea.

The sources said the current water level at the barrage stood at 12.30 feet.Krishna District Joint Collector S Suresh Kumar held a review meeting yesterday with officials to monitor the situation.

He directed officials to keep vigil at Ramalingeswaranagar, Padmavati Ghat and Kanakadurga Varadhi to meet any emergency situation.

A control room had been set up at Vijayawada Municipal Corporation office to monitor the situation.

About 100 persons living on the river banks were shifted to a community hall at Ranigarithota and a municipal corporation high school at Patamata.

UNI