Telangana floods: Admin put on high alert; people in low-lying areas to be evacuated

Heavy rainfall has caused flood situation in many parts of the state. KCR said immediate measures should be taken in Krishna and Godavari River catchment areas.

The CM instructed officials to take preventive measures as the weatherman has forecasted heavy rainfall for the next two days in the state. Lakes and other water bodies remain full throughout the year because of the new projects.

The CM stressed the need to create strong machinery to face the flood situation in the state hereafter. In the changed circumstances, the CM instructed the higher officials to have an effective flood management system in place.

"Set up an effective Flood Management Team with seven officers who know how to take safety measures for the people during the floods. Keep the records of the floods every year. Take preventive measures during the floods based on the record of the past floods. It should be a permanent feature," he said.

He said officials having expertise in flood management should be included in the team. "One of the members should have awareness on managing the rehabilitation camps. Another officer should coordinate with Army, Air Force, and NDRF. One of the members should coordinate with medical and Health, R&B, Panchayat Raj. Another member should be able to coordinate with the GAD, Revenue, Irrigation, and other such departments," he said.

Officials gave a detailed briefing to CM about the rainfall recorded at the Godavari catchment areas, the flood situation from upper areas of SRSP to Kadem, Yellampally, Swarna, Kaleswaram project and the situation in the upper Krishna areas.

They informed that the water level is increasing in the Godavari. In this backdrop, necessary instructions were given to Collectors and Chief Secretary.

The CM spoke to Ministers and Collectors from Nizamabad and Adilabad districts over the phone.

The CM instructed that NDRF teams should be deputed to Armoor, Nirmal, and Bhainsa areas immediately evacuate people from the low-lying areas. He directed officials to make arrangements for food and shelter.

The CM said immediate measures should be taken to save people stuck in the floods in Adilabad, Mancherial, Asifabad districts

"The Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Mahabaleshwar recorded the highest 70 cms rainfall. The water level in Krishna River catchment areas will increase and therefore immediate measures should be taken. Senior officials should be deputed to Nagarjuna Sagar," he said.

To save people from the floods, the CM instructed the deployment of more NDRF Teams and helicopters. He wanted utilization of the services of senior officers, both serving and retired, to augment the rescue and relief measures.

"Keep Electricity, Irrigation, Revenue, Panchayat Raj and Police departments are ready to face the situation after. Police and Irrigation officials should be on high alert to face the flood situation tomorrow and the day after," he said.

Situation in Hyderabad:

The CM also inquired about the Musi river flood. He wanted measures to be taken for the safety of people living in low-lying areas in Hyderabad. He explained the measures to be taken in Hyderabad and other places.

The CM has instructed the HMDA and GHMC officials to be strict against the illegal construction of houses in the low-lying areas in Hyderabad. The CM who inquired about the drainage situation instructed the officials to be alert and take preventive measures.

Since the weather forecast says that the rainfall will continue till Aug 10, the CM instructed all the departments to be on high alert. He wanted the R&B department to assess the flood situation beforehand and coordinate with the departments concerned, examine the condition of roads and bridges and control the public transport system.

Not time for adventure

He wanted people in the state to exercise restraint. "People should not venture into streams, rivulets, and other water bodies. People should not indulge in misadventure like crossing the streams. People should take care of their children," he said.