Telangana's Torrential Downpour: State Reels Under Heavy Rainfall

On Saturday, Telangana experienced moderate to heavy rains, leading to flooding and road disruptions. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari held a teleconference with district Collectors, stressing on measures to avoid loss of life and property. With the Meteorological department forecasting continued heavy rains, precautions and relief measures were emphasized.

Moderate to heavy rains lashed many parts of Telangana on Saturday, leading to inundation of low-lying areas and disruption of road links between villages in several places.

State Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, during a teleconference with district Collectors, directed them to take precautions to prevent any loss of life and property. The Meteorological department has warned of continued heavy rains for two days across the state.

Flooded rivulets in Mahabubabad, Narayanpet, Khammam and other districts have caused significant road disruptions. The Chief Secretary instructed the opening of control rooms in every district Collector's office, in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and in the state Secretariat.

An officer is to be appointed to monitor overflowing streams. District Collectors were authorized to declare school holidays due to the rains, and plans for evacuations and relief camps were to be prepared. Measures to prevent the contamination of tanks and the spread of diseases, including chlorination, were also instructed.

Santhi Kumari noted that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams stationed in Hyderabad and Vijayawada could be deployed if needed. The Met Centre's weather warning indicated very heavy to extremely heavy rain in various districts on Sunday, issuing a red alert in response.

(With inputs from agencies.)