Severe Flooding Hits Telangana and Andhra Pradesh; 27 Dead
Key Developments:
Casualties and Evacuations: The torrential rains have resulted in 15 fatalities in Telangana and 12 in Andhra Pradesh. In response, national and state disaster response teams have evacuated thousands from inundated areas, relocating them to emergency relief camps.
Transportation Disruptions: The South Central Railway network, which connects Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with other regions, has been heavily affected. More than 100 train services have been canceled, and numerous others have been rerouted due to severe waterlogging on the tracks.
Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his support to both states. On Sunday, he contacted Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to offer assistance and assure them of full backing from the central government.
Weather Warnings: The weather department has issued a red alert for several districts in Telangana, including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Kamareddy, and Mahabubnagar, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall for Monday.
City Impact: Hyderabad is grappling with severe waterlogging, leading to the closure of schools on Monday. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has conducted an emergency review meeting, instructing officials to be vigilant and act swiftly to address immediate relief needs. He has also urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Andhra Pradesh Crisis: Vijayawada is experiencing the brunt of the flooding, particularly in areas affected by the overflow of Budameru rivulet. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has made multiple visits to the worst-hit Ajit Singh Nagar, distributing food packets to those affected.
Forecast for Andhra Pradesh: The districts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, and Nandyala are expected to receive substantial rainfall on Monday, adding to the ongoing crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and efforts are underway to provide necessary relief to those impacted by the severe weather conditions.
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Rain : 26 NDRF teams deployed for relief ops
Severe Rainfall Forces Closures and Disruptions in Hyderabad and Surrounding Areas
As heavy rains continue to impact Telangana, Hyderabad has taken proactive measures to ensure public safety. In light of the severe weather forecasts, schools across the city and neighboring regions have been closed. Telangana’s Minister of Information and Public Relations, Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, announced that this precautionary step is aimed at protecting students from the adverse effects of the torrential downpours. The closure will help mitigate risks associated with flooding and waterlogging, which have already caused significant disruptions.
Train Services Severely Affected
Indian Railways has reported substantial disruptions in train services due to the relentless rains. Over 20 train services have been canceled, and more than 30 have been rerouted to avoid affected areas. These cancellations and diversions are a direct result of severe waterlogging on the tracks and related infrastructure issues. To assist passengers impacted by these changes, helplines have been established at key locations: Hyderabad (27781500), Warangal (27782751), Kazipet (27782660), and Khammam (27782885).
In an effort to ease the inconvenience caused by the train service disruptions, the railway authorities have arranged alternative transportation options. Bus services are being provided to help travelers reach their destinations despite the ongoing train cancellations and alterations. This initiative aims to alleviate some of the travel challenges faced by commuters and ensure that essential journeys can still be completed.
Weather Warnings and Safety Measures
The Meteorological Centre has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, and Jagital, among others. Residents in these areas are being advised to remain vigilant as the weather conditions are expected to persist. Authorities have urged people living in low-lying regions to exercise caution and be prepared for potential emergencies.
To better manage the unfolding situation, a control room has been set up at the state Secretariat. This control room will serve as the central hub for monitoring the weather conditions and coordinating response efforts. It will also facilitate communication between various agencies and provide timely updates to the public.
Impact on Daily Life and Infrastructure
The heavy rains have caused widespread waterlogging across the city, impacting daily life and essential services. In Hyderabad, significant portions of the city are submerged, leading to disruptions in traffic and public transportation. The waterlogging has also affected several businesses and residential areas, compounding the difficulties faced by residents.
As the rains continue, the local government and disaster response teams are working tirelessly to address the challenges posed by the flooding. Efforts are being made to clear clogged drains, pump out water from affected areas, and provide assistance to those in need.
Community Response and Government Support
In addition to the measures being taken by the authorities, local communities are coming together to support each other during this crisis. Volunteers and community organizations are assisting with relief efforts, distributing essential supplies, and providing shelter to those displaced by the flooding.
The government has pledged to continue its support and is closely monitoring the situation to provide necessary resources and aid. Both state and central government officials are coordinating their efforts to ensure that affected areas receive the assistance required to manage the impacts of the severe weather.
As the situation evolves, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow safety guidelines to protect themselves and their families from the adverse effects of the ongoing rainfall.