Hans News Service Bhadrachalam

TheGodavari river is witnessing a steady rise in water levels at Bhadrachalam, with irrigation officials forecasting that the river could reach the first warning level of 43 ft on Friday following a massive inflow from the Indravati river.

The Godavari was flowing at 28.4 ft at present, officials said, adding that nearly 10 lakh cusecs of water from the Indravati was joining the river, triggering apprehension of a further rise in the water level.

Officials have estimated that the Godavari could rise to 45 ft depending on the intensity and duration of the inflows from the upstream areas. The administration and irrigation authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in the low-lying areas along the river, in view of the possibility of a rapid rise in the water level.

Officials said the situation was being reviewed continuously and necessary precautionary measures would be taken if the river approaches the warning levels.