Bangalore: A significant flood alert has been issued downstream of the Tungabhadra Dam in Karnataka following the failure of its 19th crest gate late on Saturday. The incident, caused by the snapping of a chain link, has led to an extensive release of water, prompting urgent flood warnings for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The Tungabhadra Dam, located in Karnataka’s Vijayanagar district, experienced a major breach when the 19th gate was washed away due to intense floodwaters. This has resulted in the dam's water levels, currently holding approximately 100 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, needing to be reduced significantly. The Water Resources Department has initiated the process of opening all but five of the dam's 33 crest gates, releasing water at a rate of around 89,000 cusecs.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also in charge of the water resources portfolio, has rushed to the site to oversee the situation. He reported that to facilitate necessary repairs, the reservoir’s water level must be decreased to between 65 and 55 TMC. Repairs are being expedited, with two contractor firms enlisted for the task. The reservoir's water level needs to be reduced by about 20 feet before the repairs on the damaged gate can commence.

Koppal district’s in-charge Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has noted that approximately 60-65 TMC of water needs to be discharged to address the issue effectively. Despite the massive water release, officials have assured that there is no immediate danger of flooding in downstream areas, though residents within a two-kilometer radius have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the river.

In response to the incident, Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority has issued warnings for residents along the Krishna River, advising caution as floodwaters are being released from the dam.

The Tungabhadra Dam, which was completed in 1953, has not faced such a critical situation in its 70-year history. The ongoing maintenance and repair efforts are expected to resolve the situation within a week, according to dam authorities.