Heavy rains in Hyderabad: GHMC announces half-day for schools on Aug 13, 14

Hyderabad: All government and private schools within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits will function for half a day on August 13 and 14, following forecasts by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

Red Alert for Eight Telangana Districts

The India Meteorological Department-Hyderabad (IMD-Hyderabad) has issued a red alert for eight districts of Telangana over the next two days.

On Thursday, the red alert will be in effect for Hanamakonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Warangal, and Yadadri Bhongir districts. On Friday, the alert will extend to Medak, Sangareddy, and Vikarabad districts.

According to IMD-Hyderabad, rainfall amounts could reach 204.5 mm in some areas.

IMD meteorologist K. S. Sridhar, speaking to Newsmeter said “We are expecting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in certain parts of Telangana, particularly in the districts under red alert. Citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors wherever possible.”

Rain Impact in Northern Districts

Moderate to heavy rainfall on Tuesday night disrupted normal life in Mancherial and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts, inundating low-lying areas and damaging crops.

• In Mancherial district, Kannepalli mandal recorded 233 mm, and Bheemini mandal received 226 mm. Other mandals, including Hajipur, Kasipet, Bellampalli, and Kotapalli, each saw over 100 mm of rainfall. Overflowing streams submerged paddy, cotton, and soya fields. A railway under-bridge in Thandur mandal was inundated, halting traffic.

• In Kumram Bheem Asifabad, Rebbena mandal recorded 220 mm, and Tiryani mandal received 143 mm. Flooding isolated villages such as Manikyapur, Romplelli, and Gundala, while rainwater entered Sandeepnagar in Asifabad town.

District Collector Venkatesh Dothre declared holidays for educational institutions and Anganwadi centres in the affected districts, advising residents to step out only in emergencies. A control room has been set up to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

GHMC Precautions in Hyderabad

In anticipation of the heavy rainfall, GHMC has issued a public advisory concerning 358 identified dilapidated structures in the city.

GHMC Commissioner R. V. Karnan instructed officials to remain on high alert “Town Planning officials must recheck all dilapidated structures and cellar excavations and take immediate action. No official should leave headquarters without prior permission during this period.”

Of 685 identified dilapidated structures, 327 have been acted upon, with follow-up pending on the remaining 358. Notices have been served, stability reports obtained, and property owners advised to vacate unsafe buildings.

Regarding cellar excavations, 154 sites were identified; retaining walls have been completed at 61 and are under construction at 93. GHMC has issued notices against 52 unauthorised cellars.