New Delhi: Relentless rain over the weekend wreaked havoc across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leading to widespread devastation, loss of life, and severe disruptions to daily life. In Telangana, nine people died in various rain-related incidents, while in Andhra Pradesh too, unprecedented rainfall has left nine dead with cities like Vijayawada inundated. Thousands have been evacuated from the flood affected areas. Union home minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the situation, holding discussions with the chief ministers of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Here are the top developments
Widespread havoc in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh
In Telangana, relentless rainfall over the weekend, including the state capital Hyderabad, has caused widespread havoc, submerging low-lying areas, uprooting trees, and severing road links between villages.
In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the past two days have seen record-breaking rainfall, particularly in the Vijayawada region, where life has come to a standstill. The Budameru rivulet, which breached its banks, has caused extensive flooding, submerging large parts of Vijayawada and its surroundings. Over 17,000 people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas across the state, and more than 1.1 lakh hectares of agricultural land have been damaged.
Chief ministers in action
Chief minister Revanth Reddy held an emergency teleconference with senior officials and ministers, instructing them to remain on high alert for the next 24 hours. District collectors, SPs, and officials from various departments have been tasked with conducting field visits to the flood-hit areas and implementing immediate relief measures. Special attention has been given to Greater Hyderabad, where old buildings, weakened by the incessant rain, are at risk of collapse, prompting authorities to relocate residents to relief camps.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu oversaw evacuation of thousands of residents to relief camps in the flood affected areas. Despite a slight reduction in rainfall intensity, many areas remain waterlogged, and efforts are ongoing to divert floodwaters and prevent further damage. The state government has also called for a survey to assess crop losses and infrastructure damage, while preparations are being made to handle potential future floods by reinforcing vulnerable areas and improving drainage systems.
NDRF teams carry out rescue operations
In response to the escalating crisis, nine NDRF teams have been dispatched to Telangana to assist with rescue operations. The situation in Khammam district is particularly dire, with 110 villages reportedly submerged, and rescue efforts are underway to assist residents stranded on rooftops and hillocks. In Andhra Pradesh too, NDRF teams are helping in rescuing people from flood affected areas.
Nearly 100 trains cancelled, roads and highways submerged
The downpour has severely disrupted transportation across Telangana. The South Central Railway (SCR) network has been particularly affected, with 99 trains cancelled and several others either partially cancelled or diverted. Floodwaters have also overflowed onto National Highway 65 in Andhra Pradesh and onto roads in Telangana, leading to the closure of major routes and leaving vehicles stranded. The situation has been exacerbated by breaches in railway tracks and the overflowing of rivers.
IMD predicts more rains
According to the IMD, the depression that has been causing the heavy rainfall crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kalingapatnam early on Sunday. Although the system is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours, more rainfall is forecast for several districts in Andhra Pradesh, and authorities have issued warnings to residents in low-lying areas. The Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada is expected to discharge up to 10 lakh cusecs of water, and officials have been instructed to remain vigilant and continue their relief efforts.
The met office has issued a red alert for 11 districts in Telangana. Extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in these districts over the next 24 hours, the met office said on Sunday.