Heavy rain causes widespread disruption in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad, Sep 1 2024 : Heavy rainfall has caused severe disruptions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leading to the closure of schools and colleges, and significant impacts on train services. The incessant downpour has resulted in flooding and infrastructure damage across both states. In Telangana, the government has announced the closure of all schools and colleges tomorrow due to the ongoing weather conditions. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari has directed district Collectors to implement all essential measures to protect lives and property. The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued heavy rains for the next two days, prompting these precautionary measures.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed government officials to remain alert and ensure the safety of residents, particularly those in low-lying areas. He has also advised relocating people from these vulnerable areas to relief camps. Inundation of a railway track between Kesamudram and Mahabubabad has led to the suspension of train services on the Vijayawada-Warangal, Warangal-Vijayawada, and Delhi-Vijayawada routes. The Chief Secretary has emphasized the need for an advance evacuation plan for flood-affected areas and the establishment of relief camps. Additionally, measures to prevent water contamination and ensure proper chlorination to avoid disease outbreaks are being implemented.

The Meteorological Centre in Hyderabad has issued a red warning for several districts, including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Mahabubnagar, and Narayanpet, predicting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Other areas such as Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jagital, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, and Warangal are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain. In Andhra Pradesh, heavy rainfall has led to tragic consequences, with eight fatalities reported on Saturday. Five of these deaths occurred in Vijayawada due to landslides triggered by the rain. Municipal Commissioner officials confirmed that large boulders fell on two houses in Mogalrajapuram, exacerbating the damage.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the landslide victims. Vijayawada recorded 18 cm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, with continued precipitation throughout the day. Other affected areas include Machilipatnam and Gudivada, both recording 18 cm of rain, followed by Kaikaluru with 15 cm, Narasapuram with 14 cm, Amaravati with 13 cm, and Mangalagiri with 11 cm. Several other locations across the state reported rainfall ranging from 1 cm to 9 cm.

The ongoing heavy rains and associated flooding have significantly impacted daily life and infrastructure, with authorities working to manage the situation and provide relief to affected residents.