Red alert: Telangana gears up for heavy rains; here are dos and don’ts

Hyderabad: As rains lash Telangana, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts for the next 24 hours.

For the 24-hour period ending Wednesday morning, the IMD issued an impact-based heavy rainfall warning for various Telangana districts.

Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in Khammam, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Janagaon districts, with extremely severe rain in isolated areas.

On Tuesday, moderate to severe rain persisted in various regions of Telangana, including Hyderabad. The deluge drenched low-lying portions of the state capital and slowed vehicular travel.

The monsoon has been active over Telangana, according to the Hyderabad Meteorological Centre.

Heavy rain lashed Mulugu, Hanamkonda, and Karimnagar, as well as isolated locations in J. Bhupalpally, Nizamabad, and Rajanna Sircilla districts.

The rains offered relief to the state, which had been suffering from a protracted dry period. So far, the southwest monsoon has been feeble, with the season's total rainfall falling short by 25%.

Meanwhile, rainfall is expected across the state during the following four days, according to the IMD. During the same time period, isolated areas of Karimnagar, Peddapally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Siddipet, and Kamareddy districts are expected to see severe to very heavy rain.

Heavy rain is expected in isolated areas of Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagityal, Rajanna Sircilla, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, and Medak.

A cyclonic circulation stretches up to 7.6 km above mean sea level across the northwest Bay of Bengal and neighboring coastal Odisha, shifting southwards with height. Under its influence, a low-pressure region is expected to emerge in the northwest Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours, according to the Hyderabad Meteorological Centre's daily forecast at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Monsoons and Accidents - Do’s and Dont’s

With monsoon in full swing, there is a high possibility for accidents to occur.

“We get at least 45-50 calls every day about a fallen log or toppled tree during the monsoon season. People need to be careful about where they seek shelter from the rains or it can cause deadly accidents” said a GHMC official to NewsMeter.

“People are requested not to stand under weak structures, loose hoardings, banners, trees are threatening. Especially in a city like Hyderabad, people need to stay cautious” said Balaji popularly known as Telangana Weatherman in a recent tweet.

People are requested not to stand under weak structures, loose hoardings, banners, trees are threatening. Specially in a city like Hyderabad, people need to stay cautious. Rains will be okayish, but winds also pose a threat ⚠️ https://t.co/AAYO1uFDtu

— Telangana Weatherman (@balaji25_t) July 18, 2023

According to Indian statistics, most accidents occur during the monsoon season. During the monsoon, precautions should be taken because this is the most vulnerable season to develop any ailment or sickness and meet with an accident.

Learn what to do and what not to do on rainy roads during monsoon.

Rainy roads are notorious for causing accidents, and it is crucial to inspect automobiles for optimal operation during storms. Poor road signs, lack of warnings, potholes, and dug-up roads are major causes of accidents during the monsoon season.

The age-old drainage systems in metropolitan centers are not suitable for today's environment, leading to overflow onto roadways. Rain, drainage overflow, poor road conditions, insufficient road length, and vendor encroachment contribute to potholes, traffic stalls, and accidents. It is preferable to be cautious when driving through the rain rather than rushing to reach our destinations.

Inattention to safety precautions during the rainy season can lead to accidents, such as using umbrellas, damaging wipers and halogen lighting on older vehicles, potholed roads, malfunctioning street lights, and water-blocking roadways due to insufficient drain facilities. These issues make it difficult for pedestrians and drivers, especially two-wheeler riders, to navigate in the rain.

Top Reasons Behind Road Accidents in the Rainy Season:

- Drivers who are unable to respond to changing road conditions

- Pothole visibility is impaired due to water logging.

- Visibility of street signs and other cars is poor.

- Rainy roadway with an oil slick.

- Vehicles lack a windscreen and side mirrors.

- Standing between trees and a hoarding

List of Monsoon Safety Tips

- Before leaving, ensure the tire pressures are correct, the tread depth is up to the required minimum, and the windscreen washer fluid is full.

- Keep the car clean and check the defogger function.

- Slow down on slippery roads, replace old brakes, and be prepared with flashlights, umbrellas, and spare tools.

- Avoid submerged roads and beware of live wires, sinkholes, and potholes.

- Maintain lower gear for better control on slippery roads.

- Keep a distance from the car in front and lower the beam to avoid dazzled drivers.

- Be a middleman and stay in the middle of roads to avoid waterlogging.

- Check the wipers of the car, as they are neglected and need attention during the monsoon.

- Wear bright clothes, and raincoats, and use brighter umbrellas while on the roads.

- Be alert while crossing the road about vehicles passing by.

- Do not stand under signs, trees, or hoardings.