A fierce monsoon now lashes northern districts, causing rivers to rise fast and forcing the Kadem Project to open its gates. This urgent action sends huge amounts of water downstream, putting people and homes in many areas on high alert. With heavy rain falling without stop, the danger for those living near the swollen waters grows by the hour.
Heavy Rainfall Hits Northern Districts
Northern districts are facing severe weather conditions as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash the region. Many areas have seen significant rainfall over the past few days, leading to waterlogging and disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for various districts, warning of intense rainfall and the possibility of flash floods.
In some parts, rain has caused roads to be closed and daily life to be affected. Water has entered low-lying areas, making it hard for people to move around. The weather department has advised people to be careful and avoid going into waterlogged zones.
Several districts in Telangana, including Adilabad, Mancherial. Nirmal, have received a lot of rain. Adilabad recorded very high rainfall in some locations. The IMD has put many of these districts under a red or orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Kadem Project Reaches Full Level
The Kadem Project, a large water body in Nirmal district, has reached its full capacity due to the continuous heavy rains and high inflows from its catchment areas. The project, which is built on the Kadem River, a branch of the Godavari River, has seen a sharp rise in water levels.
Officials at the Kadem Project reported that the water level touched 693 feet, which is very close to its maximum level of 700 feet. The project was getting a huge amount of water, measuring around 1. 56 lakh cusecs (cubic feet per second).
To manage the large volume of incoming water and ensure the safety of the dam, authorities decided to open the gates. A total of 15 to 17 crest gates of the Kadem Project were lifted to release the excess water downstream into the river.
“Kadem project was receiving inflows of 1. 56 lakh cusecs while the Irrigation officials opened 15 crest gates to discharge 1. 30 lakh cusecs into the river, which joins Godavari downstream. People living downstream have to be careful. The collector advised that no one should go to river basins, streams and low-lying areas, especially cattle herders should not take their cattle into the river and stream paths.”
The Kadem Project, also known as Kaddam Narayana Reddy Project, was built between 1949 and 1965 to help with farming in Nirmal and Mancherial districts. It has a total capacity of 7. 6 thousand million cubic feet (TMC). It also has two main canals for water distribution, helping to irrigate a large area.
Past incidents have highlighted the need for good upkeep of the dam. In previous years, some gates faced technical issues. repairs have been done.
Impact on Areas Downstream
The release of water from the Kadem Project has led to an increase in water levels in the river downstream. This has caused concern among people living in villages located along the river banks. Officials have issued warnings and asked residents in low-lying areas to be alert.
Villages like Devunigudem, Rampur, Munyala, Bhutkur. Godisherala have been particularly affected. Some residents in these areas have been moved to safer places as a safety step.
The rising water has also affected local transport, with some roads and bridges getting damaged or covered by water. This makes it difficult for people to travel and for help to reach affected areas.
Reports show that heavy rainfall has damaged crops, including paddy fields, in several districts. This could have a big impact on local farmers and their earnings.
Government and Official Response
In response to the severe weather and rising water levels, government officials and disaster management teams are working to manage the situation. The Chief Minister has put the state on high alert and given clear instructions to all government departments.
Instructions include keeping a close watch on water bodies like reservoirs and ponds, checking dam gates and other structures. telling people in low-lying areas to be ready to move. Teams for rescue and relief are on standby.
Officials from the Irrigation Department are carefully watching the inflows and outflows at the Kadem Project and other water bodies in the Godavari basin. They are making sure that water is released in a controlled way to prevent worse floods.
“In view of moderate to heavy rain forecast for nine districts, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Saturday (August 16, 2025) morning issued a series of directions to officials including deployment of rescue teams, closing waterlogged roads to public, evacuating people from low-lying areas to relief centres and others.”
Relief and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are carrying out operations in areas hit by heavy rains and floods. They are helping people move from unsafe places to relief camps.
Local police and administration are actively involved in these efforts, asking people to leave their homes in affected villages and moving them to safe places like government buildings and community centers.
Efforts are also being made to clear roads and restore normal life where possible. But, ongoing rain and fresh landslides in some areas are making these efforts difficult.
Local Community Views
People in the affected districts are facing a tough time due to the floods. Many have spent sleepless nights worrying about their homes and safety. They are also concerned about their belongings left behind in vacated areas.
Local residents have shared their experiences of sudden water surges and the need to quickly move to safety. The unexpected scale of the rainfall has caught many off guard.
Farmers are worried about the damage to their crops, which is their main source of income. The impact on agriculture is a major concern for the local economy.
The community is relying on the support and help from government agencies and relief workers during this difficult period. Many are cooperating with evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
