Andhra flood situation grim

Hyderabad, July 19: The flood situation in Andhra Pradesh turned grim Friday as Godavari river flowed above the danger mark while incessant rains for the fourth day inundated dozens of villages and damaged crops.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy directed officials to take help of army and air force for any eventuality and for airlifting people from low-lying areas.

Officials said two teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), each of 18 members have already left for Khammam district, where Godavari is in spate.

More than 20 people were caught in floods at different places in north Telangana districts and are waiting for help.

The continuing rains under the impact of low pressure area wrecked havoc in the districts of Adilabad, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam as several villages were cut off due to overflowing rivers, rivulets, tanks and streams. Crops spread over 10,000 acres were damaged in Adilabad district alone.

Bus services were suspended between Hyderabad and Karimnagar as a part of the road in Karimnagar district was washed away.

With incessant rains and huge inflows from upstream, Godavari river is in spate. It already touched the danger mark at Ramannagudem in Warangal district and at Bhadrachalam in Khammam district.

The second flood warning was issued at Bhadrachalam and the third is likely to be issued anytime as the water level rose sharply to 50.4 feet Friday morning. The third warning is issued if the level crosses 53 feet.

The chief minister asked the officials to put all areas abutting the river on high alert and to take precautionary measures by forming special teams.

Kiran Kumar, who reviewed the situation with top officials, directed them to ensure required supply of food grains, medicines and other essential items.

IANS