Old bridge over Perlakota river submerged, Bhamragad taluka cut off
Rising waters in the Perlakota river submerged an old bridge on NH-130D, cutting off Bhamragad taluka in Gadchiroli district.
Continuous rain over the past two days in Gadchiroli district has sharply raised water levels in rivers and streams in the southern part of the district. Rising water in the Perlakota river near Bhamragad has completely submerged the old bridge on the NH-130D national highway. With the old bridge submerged, Bhamragad taluka has lost contact with other areas.
At the same time, heavy rain is continuing in the catchment area of the Indravati river in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. Due to continuous rain in this catchment area, the Indravati river's level has crossed the danger mark. River gauge stations at Jagdalpur and Chintanar have also shown the river level reaching the danger mark.
Heavy rain began in the Perlakota river's catchment area from Thursday evening, causing a sudden sharp rise in the river's water level. This rising water began flowing over the old bridge, and the entire bridge was submerged within a short time.
After the bridge went underwater, police have been deployed on both sides of the bridge for the safety of residents. Police have barricaded the route and stopped traffic on it to prevent any accident. The administration is continuously monitoring the river's water level and the overall situation in the area. Necessary safety measures are being taken to ensure no one crosses the submerged bridge.
In view of this flood-like situation, the district disaster management cell has directed officials, staff and the general public in Bhamragad taluka to remain alert. The administration has appealed to residents living along the banks of the Indravati and Perlakota rivers, as well as those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to take special precautions. The administration has urged people not to enter the riverbed or step into fast-flowing water.
Concerned officials and staff have also been directed to take necessary precautions in advance and remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation.
Meanwhile, it is being said that if the Perlakota river's water level rises further, it could affect the transport system in the area as well as the daily lives of residents. The administration is therefore closely monitoring the entire situation.
