Severe flooding has left numerous villages along the banks of the Sabari River isolated, particularly in the Polavaram district, which lies on the Andhra Pradesh-Chhattisgarh border. The rising waters have also submerged several Koya tribal settlements, especially those near the tributaries of Sokileru and Chandravanka Vaagu, before they join the main river.
As of the latest reports, at least 189 villages have been impacted by the floods stemming from both the Sabari and Godavari rivers, primarily in the areas affected by the Polavaram irrigation project.
Polavaram District Collector K. Dinesh Kumar has indicated that evacuation efforts are currently underway, with a focus on pregnant women from the impacted villages. Furthermore, as of 8 a.m. on Saturday, the third flood warning for the Godavari River was issued at Bhadrachalam, indicating a significant influx of floodwaters into Polavaram district.
Flood Inflow and Response
According to the Godavari Flood Report-2026, the floodwater inflow at Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage (SACB) in Dowleswaram, located in East Godavari district, has surpassed 8.93 lakh cusecs, and is anticipated to escalate in the next 24 hours. Currently, approximately 8,500 cusecs of water are being released into the Godavari delta from the barrage.
In light of these developments, Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar has announced that the first Godavari flood warning is expected to be issued by Saturday night. As a result of the severe flooding, connectivity to at least 32 islands in the Godavari river has been compromised, and boat services have been suspended.
Preparedness for Evacuation
The residents of these 32 islands have been advised to prepare for potential evacuations should the floodwaters continue to rise in the Godavari river. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are actively monitoring the inflow and flood conditions.
Published – August 01, 2026 09:14 am IST
