Karnataka's Tungabhadra dam gate washes away, flood alert issued
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Bengaluru: One of the gates of the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka was washed away last night after a chain link got snapped, NDTV reported.
The incident led to a large amount of water gushing out from the damaged gate with authorities calling in for an emergency handling of the situation.
This is the first time in the history of dams in the state such an incident happened, The New Indian Express reported.
Following it, the State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has asked people living along the banks of Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh to remain alert.
APSDMA managing director R Kurmanadh reportedly said that the gate number 19 was washed away from the intensity of floodwaters.
The senior official said in a press release said: ‘Nearly 35,000 cusecs of floodwaters flowed and a total of 48,000 cusecs will be discharged downstream. People in Kurnool district's Kosiri, Mantralayam, Nandavaram and Kouthalam should exercise caution.’
Built in 1953, the dam sits at Munirabad in Koppal district providing water and irrigating three states holding a capacity of 105.788 TMC.
With the water levels started rising, the authorities anticipate a flood situation in Kampli town.
It is reported that outflow from the remaining 31 crest gates cannot immediately be stopped due to the likelihood of causing floods in the dam catchment area.
Meanwhile, visiting the site Hosapete MLA H R Gaviyappa said: ‘We have informed the government about the situation and we request people not to panic. Our officials are already on the job.’
