Telangana is now under a red alert as heavy, non-stop rains bring normal life to a complete stop across the state. Schools, businesses. transport systems are all shut down, leaving many people stuck indoors since early this week. The strong downpour has caused widespread floods, made roads dangerous. led to power cuts in many areas. With water levels rising fast in rivers and lakes, officials warn people to stay safe and avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. The weather office has given the highest alert, asking everyone to be very careful as the intense rain is expected to continue for the next few days, causing more problems and worry for people living there.
Widespread Disruption as Heavy Rains Hit
Torrential rainfall has brought normal life to a standstill across Telangana, leading to widespread disruption and prompting authorities to issue a red alert for the entire state. The continuous downpour, influenced by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, has led to severe waterlogging, traffic jams. halted daily activities in many parts.
Major cities, including the capital Hyderabad, have been severely affected. Hyderabad and its surrounding areas faced significant challenges, with traffic movement disrupted, especially in key IT corridors like Madhapur and Gachibowli. Many low-lying areas are under water. homes in some places have been inundated by floodwaters.
The intensity of the rainfall has been notably high in several districts. Mamidipalle in Rangareddy district recorded 89 millimeters of rain, one of the highest in the region. In the last 24 hours, Mancherial and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts saw extreme rainfall, with 93. 2 millimeters and 93. 1 millimeters respectively. Other districts such as Warangal, Jangaon, Hanamkonda, Suryapet. parts of the old Mahabubnagar area have also faced severe impacts, with local streams overflowing and road transport affected.
The situation remains serious, with warnings of ongoing heavy to very heavy rainfall. the risk of flash floods remains high. Gusty winds, reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, are also expected, adding to the challenging weather conditions across the state.
Government Actions and Emergency Response
In response to the severe weather, the state government has initiated a high-level emergency response. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has declared a 72-hour high alert, instructing all government departments to maintain a 24-hour watch to ensure public safety and reduce the impact of the heavy rains. As part of these measures, all leaves for government employees have been cancelled for the next three days, with officials ordered to report to their duties immediately.
The education department has announced half-day holidays for schools within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits for two days. Also, some districts like Medchal-Malkajgiri have declared full holidays for schools. The Chief Minister has also appealed to data technology companies to allow their employees to work from home for three days to ease traffic congestion and ensure commuter safety.
Emergency control rooms have been set up by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other agencies to manage emergency services effectively. The GHMC Commissioner is actively reviewing the situation and staying in touch with zonal and deputy commissioners to address public complaints quickly. Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams have been deployed and are on high alert, ready to respond to incidents. Helicopters have been kept on standby for emergency airlifts, in coordination with agencies like the Indian Army and NDRF.
Alerts and Specific Impact Zones
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Hyderabad has issued a red alert for several districts, indicating the likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Districts specifically under this red warning include Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Medak, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Bhupalpally. Mulugu. For Hyderabad and its surrounding Rangareddy district, an orange alert has been issued, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall.
The IMD’s forecasts indicate continued intense rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 20 centimeters of rain. Specifically, a warning for extremely heavy rainfall was issued for areas like Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Suryapet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medchal Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy. Medak districts for the next 24 hours.
The severe weather has already led to tragic consequences. Two deaths have been reported from the erstwhile Karimnagar district due to the heavy rainfall. In Warangal district, a shepherd went missing after falling into an overflowing stream, prompting a search by the Disaster Response Force and local police. In Hyderabad, one person was rescued after falling into an open drain. Lakes and canals across the state are overflowing. roads have been damaged, further disrupting transportation and daily activities.
Monitoring and Public Safety
Irrigation officials across Telangana have been placed on high alert and are continuously monitoring reservoirs, ponds, canals. tanks to prevent any overflow or breaches. They have been instructed to regularly check water levels, inspect dam gates and spillways. ensure the strength of embankments. Special attention is being given to projects that are already at full capacity. The irrigation minister has personally ensured that officials bypass usual procedures to use funds instantly for urgent flood-related work.
The power utility, Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL), has rolled out 167 “electricity ambulances” – emergency response vehicles equipped with personnel and tools to address power-related issues quickly. All engineers and staff of TGSPDCL have been directed to remain at their headquarters around the clock, with all leaves cancelled. They are also inspecting substations and focusing on areas where electricity panels in apartment basements might be at risk from water.
Police officials have been instructed to restrict public movement near high-water flows, flooded bridges, causeways. overflowing streams to prevent accidents. The health department has also been directed to ensure that medicines and doctors are available for any medical emergencies arising from the situation.
Public Advisories and Contact insights
Authorities are urging residents across Telangana to remain extremely cautious and prioritize their safety. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local disaster management agencies have issued clear advisories for the public.
Residents are strongly advised to stay indoors and avoid venturing out unless it is absolutely necessary, especially during peak rainfall hours. It is crucial to avoid waterlogged areas and underpasses, as well as refrain from attempting to cross flooded roads or streams. Those living in low-lying areas or close to rivers and streams are advised to move to safer locations as a precautionary measure.
The public is encouraged to follow updates and instructions only from official channels like the IMD, the Hyderabad Rain and Flood Alert Authority (HYDRAA). local government bodies. For any rain-related emergencies, several toll-free and helpline numbers have been made available:
- National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): 8333068536, 9154170992, 8712660600, 040-278524482
- General Emergency: Dial 100
- Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Control Room: 040-21111111 or 8125971221
- Hyderabad Traffic Control: 040-278524482
- Hyderabad Rain and Flood Alert Authority (HYDRAA): 9154170992, 8712660600
- Water Board (HMWSSB) Customer Care: 155313
- Power Outages (TGSPDCL): 1912
Citizens are urged to use these numbers for prompt assistance and to report any incidents of water stagnation or open manholes.
