In a late-night incident on Saturday, the Tungabhadra Dam's gate was washed away by floodwaters following the breaking of its chain link. The accident occurred around 11 PM as the dam authorities had lifted all gates to accommodate the increased water inflow over the past few days. Currently, the dam is releasing nearly one lakh cusecs of water downstream, with all gates elevated by 20 feet.
Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu said that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has reviewed the situation. A specialized engineering team, including the Central Design Commissioner, has been dispatched to the site to assess and address the damage. In response to the incident, the District Collector has been instructed to alert residents in the affected areas of Kouthalam, Kosigi, Mantralayam, and Nandavaram mandals.
Additionally, officials overseeing the Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, and Pulichintala projects have been warned to remain vigilant. Once floodwaters recede, efforts will focus on repairing the damaged gate..
