Telangana on high alert: CM Revanth orders full preparedness for Cyclone Montha rains and flooding

Hyderabad: Following heavy rains under the influence of Cyclone Montha across the state, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed the entire administration to remain on high alert.

Paddy and cotton procurement

The Chief Minister enquired about the impact of the Cyclone, mainly on paddy harvesting and instructed the authorities to take necessary precautions to prevent losses due to heavy rains. Special arrangements should also be made at the paddy and cotton procurement centres, he said.

The officials briefed the CM that the impact of Cyclone Montha is expected to be more severe in Khammam, Warangal and Nalgonda districts.

Disruption to train schedules

As Hyderabad is witnessing heavy rains, CM Revanth ordered the local civic authorities to deploy disaster management teams to rescue people in the inundated areas in the city.

Following the stoppage of Golconda Express and Konark Express trains at Dornakal Junction in Mahabubabad district and Gundratimadugu station and the diversion of several trains, the CM suggested that alternative arrangements should be made without any inconvenience to the stranded passengers.

The SDRF and NDRF teams were directed to take up rescue operations in a coordinated manner in the heavy rain-affected districts under the guidance of the district Collectors.

Monitoring irrigation projects and water bodies

In view of the overflowing of the rivulets and canals, the Chief Minister instructed the district officials to evacuate the families residing in low-lying areas and shift them to relief camps.

The State Irrigation Department was alerted to closely monitor water levels at all projects, reservoirs and other water bodies. The District Collectors should be alerted before the release of water from the overflowing water bodies. Sandbags should also be kept ready at the water bodies and reservoirs, which are brimming with heavy inflows.

Enquiring about the heavy rain impact on public transportation, the CM instructed the officials to stop the vehicle traffic on low-level bridges and causeways which are flooded with heavy rains. Police and Revenue officials were ordered to set up barricades near the flooding bridges and monitor them.

Keeping diseases at bay

The CM warned of the risk of outbreak of epidemics and hence the city, Municipal and Village sanitation staff were instructed to undertake continuous sanitation work. The risk of mosquitoes and other insects breeding in the waterlogging spots posed health risks.

Adequate availability of medicines, opening of medical camps, and precautions to prevent loss of life, property and livestock were also being taken in the heavy rain-hit areas.

The important Revenue, Electricity, Panchayat Raj, R&B, Health, Police, Fire departments and SDRF personnel, were instructed to work in coordination during the crisis time. The GHMC, HYDRAA, SDRF and Fire department personnel should respond immediately to the requests received from the people in Hyderabad city, the CM said.