AP: Flood situation improves

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August 07, 2006 15:22 IST

The flood situation in Andhra Pradesh has eased a bit with the water level in the Godavari River receding fast. The rains subsided in many parts of the state, providing much-needed relief to the affected people. The death toll due to floods remained at 63 so far.

Additional Commissioner (Relief) Ms Priyadarshini told rediff.com, "The flood situation in the (worst-affected) Khammam district is easing. Water level is receding fast at Bhadrachalam. The level has come down to 65.7 feet at 8 am on Monday morning from 66.8 feet at 2 am." The current level is still 12.7 feet above the danger mark of 53 feet.

Though the rains have subsided in the state since Sunday, River Godavari and its tributaries continued to be in spate due to rains in the neighbouring states. "There are rains in Maharashtra and Chattisgarh," the official said, pointing out that the flood inflows poured into the lower reaches of the river in the state.

"We are a little worried about east Godavari and west Godavari districts though there is no cause for alarm," she said and added, "People from low-lying areas of Khammam, east and west Godavari districts have been evacuated to safer places. 175 villages are still marooned in Khammam district and about 103,000 people have been lodged in 138 relief camps.

Three helicopters have been pressed into service for dropping food packets and clean water sachets. They conducted 12 sorties on Sunday. Two navy boats and expert divers and swimmers have also been deployed for rescuing marooned people.

Hyderabad Meteorological Centre Director Dr Satya Kumar told rediff.com, "The rainfall activity enormously decreased all over the state since Sunday onwards. Rains in north Telangana districts such as Adilabad, Nizamabad and Karimnagar also reduced on Monday."

"The main system is in Madhya Pradesh now. There are rains in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh now," he added.

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