Executive summary (as of August 21, 2025)
The Krishna River has remained in flood for roughly a month, with repeated high releases at Prakasam Barrage, Vijayawada. Reported outflows have hovered in the 4–5 lakh cusecs band this week, with authorities issuing and maintaining first-flood warnings and preparing for possible escalation depending on upstream dam operations and fresh rain spells. Tourism—including boating on the Krishna and access to Bhavani Island—is suspended, leading to sizeable revenue losses. District administrations in NTR and Krishna remain on high alert, operating relief shelters and closely monitoring low-lying mandals.
Why is the Krishna in spate right now?
1) Persistent monsoon bursts across the upper Krishna basin
Successive rain systems over the last few weeks have drenched the catchments in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana, pushing large inflows into the main stem and tributaries. As those pulses travel down the reservoir chain, Andhra Pradesh receives sustained high inflows at its major projects. (Local bulletins this week flagged new upper-basin rainfall as a continuing risk).
2) Cascading dam releases
The Krishna in Andhra Pradesh is regulated by a cascade: Srisailam → Nagarjuna Sagar → Pulichintala → Prakasam Barrage. When upstream reservoirs approach full condition or receive fresh surges, operators lift gates to safely pass the flood. In late July and through August, Nagarjuna Sagar has repeatedly lifted double-digit numbers of gates; reports this week mentioned 26 gates opened with outflow ~4.06 lakh cusecs at one point, while Srisailam stepped up releases as inflows rose. These operations translate into heightened discharges at Pulichintala and, finally, Prakasam Barrage at Vijayawada.
3) Tidal/backwater effects in the delta
When high river outflow coincides with high tide near the coast, the drainage of stormwater from canals/drains slows, temporarily aggravating waterlogging in downstream mandals and low-lying colonies of Vijayawada.
The current picture along the Krishna (AP stretch)
Srisailam
With upper-basin inflows elevated, Srisailam has been releasing large volumes through spillways and powerhouses. As per regional reports last month and this week’s basin context, operators opened gates when inflows surged, increasing downstream discharge into Nagarjuna Sagar.
Nagarjuna Sagar
Multiple updates over the past three weeks and again this week confirm many gates lifted to safely pass floodwaters downstream—peaking at 26 gates in one report. This has periodically pushed 3–4+ lakh cusecs downstream toward Pulichintala.
Pulichintala
As an intermediate reservoir between Nagarjuna Sagar and Prakasam Barrage, Pulichintala is essentially passing through the flood pulse toward Vijayawada, with figures mirroring upstream surges reported in the last 72 hours.
Prakasam Barrage (Vijayawada)
NTR district sounded a high alert on August 19, with discharge rising fast from ~2.48 lakh cusecs Monday evening to ~4.32 lakh cusecs by Tuesday afternoon; officials projected 5–5.5 lakh cusecs depending on upstream gate operations. First flood warning was issued around the 3.97 lakh cusecs mark and has stayed in force while authorities evaluated further escalation. Outflows around 4.35–4.8 lakh cusecs have been cited in local bulletins within the last 24–48 hours.
Notably, New Indian Express reported that as of Wednesday, August 21, the Krishna had been in heavy flow for 30 consecutive days, with ~4.64 lakh cusecs discharged on Wednesday and a seasonal release tally near 319 TMC into the Bay of Bengal this monsoon.
Districts and hotspots to watch
NTR district & Vijayawada city
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Expect fast currents in the main channel, restricted access to river bunds and causeways during peak releases, and waterlogging where canal/drain networks back up.
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Municipal authorities have opened dozens of relief shelters (the VMC recently referenced 39 shelters across 64 wards) and issued repeated advisories for low-lying areas.
Krishna district (including Thotlavallur, Penamaluru, Koduru, Nagayalanka)
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These downstream mandals along the river and near distributary drains are high-vulnerability pockets during heavy releases from Pulichintala and Prakasam Barrage. Officials have urged residents to stay alert and be prepared for short-notice evacuation if levels climb.
Deltaic stretches toward the Bay of Bengal
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Backwater/tidal effects can temporarily worsen inundation, especially when river volumes crest during high tide windows.
River island & Lanka habitations
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Communities situated on river islands (Lankas) face recurrent access disruptions when kutcha roads submerge. For example, Pamula Lanka (about 23 km from Vijayawada) has historically been cut off for weeks during flood seasons; residents have renewed calls for bridge connectivity.
Impact on people, economy, and services
Public safety & evacuation readiness
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With first warning active and possible step-ups, administrations have kept control rooms running and evacuation shelters ready, prioritizing vulnerable colonies, riverbank hamlets, and habitations near Budameru and Kondaveeti streams that can swell during heavy outflows.
Tourism, leisure & small businesses
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Boating is suspended, and Bhavani Island has been closed since August 11 due to unsafe currents once discharge crossed operational limits. The AP Tourism Development Corporation estimates ₹50 lakh+ in revenue losses already, with typical weekday footfalls (1,000–1,500) and weekend peaks (up to 4,000) wiped out. Services will resume when discharges fall below safety thresholds.
Agriculture & aquaculture
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Short-duration submergence of fields near drains/canals and salinity risks from brackish backflow near the delta are concerns. Damage intensity depends on how long high releases persist and how quickly drainage can be restored after peaks.
Urban services
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Stormwater + river backflow can slow drainage in Vijayawada and downstream towns until levels recede. Municipalities typically deploy pumps, tankers, sanitation crews, and temporary embankments where needed.
What the next 72–96 hours could look like
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Gate operations will stay dynamic. With upper-basin rainfall still in play, Srisailam/Nagarjuna Sagar may continue significant releases, and Pulichintala will pass them through. This could keep Prakasam Barrage in warning mode with hour-to-hour adjustments to gates to balance safety storage with downstream impact.
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Warning thresholds to watch. Local coverage notes the first-warning threshold at roughly 3.97 lakh cusecs; authorities signalled potential for 5–5.5 lakh cusecs depending on upstream surges. If rainfall eases upstream, a slow recession could follow; if fresh pulses arrive, expect renewed peaks.
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Tourism resumption depends on outflows falling well below 1 lakh cusecs (the typical safety band for boating), plus stable currents—something not yet on the immediate horizon given the cascade’s current releases.
Actionable safety checklist (residents & businesses)
For residents in low-lying/riverbank areas
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Track official alerts from APSDMA, district collectors, and VMC. If advised to evacuate, move early—not after dark. Carry IDs, essential medicines, chargers, cash, dry rations, and any critical documents in sealed bags.
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Stay off bunds, causeways, and the river edge during gate operations. Flood currents are deceptively strong even before visible overtopping.
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Avoid wading through floodwater; it can carry sewage, chemicals, and wildlife (snakes). If unavoidable, use sturdy footwear and a stick to feel the ground.
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Water & sanitation: Boil or filter water; store clean drinking water in advance of peaks. Disinfect rooms once water recedes.
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Electrical safety: Switch main power off if water enters your home; do not re-energize until an electrician inspects wiring.
For shop owners and small businesses
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Raise inventories and electricals above floor level; unplug non-essentials.
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Safeguard paper records—or better, scan and store in the cloud; keep insurance documents handy.
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Supply chains: Identify alternate routes if your logistics depend on low-level crossings; pre-book transport to avoid last-minute surges in rates.
For schools & institutions
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Keep transport suspended on water-affected routes; coordinate with district authorities on shelter usage or temporary closures.
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Prepare dry ration kits and potable water if your campus is earmarked as a relief point.
How to read the Krishna during monsoon: A quick explainer
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Reservoir cascade logic
Think of Srisailam as a large “shock absorber.” When it fills up and fresh pulses arrive, operators must release water to maintain structural safety and flood cushion. That water heads to Nagarjuna Sagar, which repeats the balancing act; then to Pulichintala; and finally spreads out below Prakasam Barrage, where gate lifts determine how much passes toward the sea. In a multi-pulse monsoon, these actions happen repeatedly, which is why outflows can be high for weeks. -
Warning stages
District administrations associate warning levels with discharge bands and gauge readings. The first warning at Prakasam Barrage has been referenced around 3.97 lakh cusecs; higher warnings align with higher discharges and water levels, prompting escalated responses like wider evacuations and traffic restrictions. -
Why numbers change every hour
Because inflows are dynamic. Heavy rain upstream, hydropower scheduling, and operational constraints at each project combine to produce a variable hydrograph. A pulse leaving Srisailam can reach Vijayawada after a lag, creating a rising limb at Prakasam Barrage even if local rain is minimal.
Local stories behind the numbers
Floods on the Krishna are not only hydrology—they are daily life. Take Pamula Lanka, a river-island village near Vijayawada. Each monsoon, villagers see the kutcha link road disappear, sometimes for weeks, forcing reliance on small boats for essentials and emergencies. Delayed bridge works have prolonged this vulnerability; residents and representatives are pushing for re-sanctioning and speedy execution before another intense flood season. Their experience underscores why last-mile connectivity is a lifesaver during floods, not a luxury.
Where to check live data
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APWRIMS (Andhra Pradesh Water Resources Information & Management System) provides reservoir and rainfall dashboards that local media frequently cite during flood alerts. For the Krishna cascade (Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar, Pulichintala, Prakasam Barrage), this is the primary official source for residents who want real-time levels.
FAQs
Q1) What are the latest numbers at Prakasam Barrage?
Numbers have oscillated in the 4–5 lakh cusecs range this week, with first warning active and authorities prepping for possible 5–5.5 lakh cusecs depending on upstream releases. Always check APWRIMS or district bulletins for the hourly situation.
Q2) Why is boating still suspended in Vijayawada?
APTDC suspends boating when discharges exceed its safety threshold (around 1 lakh cusecs). With current outflows multiple times higher, boating remains off, and Bhavani Island is closed—causing significant revenue loss to the city’s tourism.
Q3) If rain stops in Vijayawada today, will floods end immediately?
Not necessarily. The Krishna’s flood depends on upstream inflows. Even with dry weather locally, a release pulse from Srisailam/Nagarjuna Sagar can lift levels at Prakasam Barrage hours to a day later.
Q4) What triggers evacuations?
Escalation from first to higher warnings, night-time peaks, and fast-rising levels in canals/drains can prompt targeted evacuations, prioritizing low-lying colonies, island habitations, and embankment-adjacent pockets
