With the Krishna River reaching its second warning level due to relentless rainfall in its catchment areas, authorities have implemented immediate safety measures, including prohibiting devotees from bathing in the river.
Enhanced security patrols have been deployed along the riverbanks, which are currently heavily flooded. Officials confirmed the closure of prominent bathing spots like Punnami ghat, Durga, and Padmavathi ghats. Security has been particularly tightened in Ibrahimpatnam and Bhavanipuram. This preventative action is crucial to ensure the safety of the public.
For those wishing to perform ritual cleansing, shower facilities are available at Kalyanakatta. To manage the challenging conditions, expert swimmers, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and police personnel have been stationed at the ghats.
Adding to the urgency, Krishna district officials issued a heightened alert after Irrigation authorities released 6.50 lakh cusecs of water from Prakasam Barrage. Collector D.K. Balaji convened a meeting with Revenue, Police, and Irrigation department officials, directing them to remain vigilant and advise residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer ground.
Avanigadda Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) T. Vidya Sree reported that police successfully evacuated inhabitants from Pata Yadlalanka island. Boats were utilized to transport these villagers to designated rehabilitation shelters in Avanigadda. Additionally, all boating activities on the river have been temporarily suspended.
Residents living downstream of the Krishna River have been sternly cautioned against attempting to cross the swollen canals or the main river channel using traditional countrymade boats, as the conditions are deemed highly dangerous.