IMD forecasts heavy rains for Telangana till July 26; emergency services remain vigilant

Hyderabad: Heavy rains are forecast till the end of next week, while the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Friday. A yellow alert was given for the remaining days beginning July 22 (Saturday) till July 26. According to the IMD, “Heavy rains are very likely to occur in isolated places in Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Nizamabad districts in Telangana on Saturday.”

In the face of relentless rains, chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao declared a two-day holiday for all government offices, private institutions, and educational establishments within the GHMC limits for everyone's safety during heavy downpours.

Though the rains have brought some relief by wiping out the rainfall deficit in Hyderabad, the city is experiencing excess rainfall, and the same trend is expected to continue until the end of July. Other districts in Telangana are also seeing a surplus of rainfall.

GHMC takes swift action, warns 25 lakh residents

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is actively responding to the heavy rains in the city. They have deployed 427 monsoon emergency teams, including 27 Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams, to address the challenges posed by heavy rains and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

In an inspiring incident, the Hyderabad Traffic Police displayed their dedication to safety. On-duty constable Mahender promptly responded promptly to a dangerous situation where a huge helium balloon was tilting dangerously onto the Necklace Road, Tankbund. With utmost care and understanding, he quickly ensured that people in its vicinity are alerted and given cover.

To keep residents informed and safe, GHMC’s DRF sent mass text messages to around 25 lakh people in Rangareddy, Medchal, and Hyderabad districts, warning them about the expected heavy rains.

Hussain Sagar rises

The water level in Hussain Sagar Lake has risen significantly due to incessant rains. GHMC deputy mayor, Mothe Srilatha Shoban Reddy, along with irrigation officials, inspected the lake and measures are being taken to prevent flooding in lower areas. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for emergencies.

Officials inspected affected areas like Himayat Nagar Street No 14 to devise strategies for relief and rescue operations.

Godavari overflows; flood threat in Bhadrachalam

The Godavari River is experiencing heavy flooding, with the water level reaching 43.90 ft at 7 am on July 21, surpassing the first warning level in Bhadrachalam. The overflow is a result of persistent heavy rains in the catchment areas, leading to a discharge of 9,71,134 cusecs. As Telangana faces continuous heavy rains, the rising Godavari River poses a serious flood threat to low-lying areas near Bhadrachalam.

In response to the situation, CM KCR took swift action. He directed chief secretary Santhi Kumari and other departments to closely monitor the situation and take necessary relief measures.

The Telangana government has sounded an alert and announced the following measures in Bhadrachalam:

- The police department and concerned wings are on high alert, ready to take immediate action.

- People in areas prone to flooding are being shifted to safer places.

- Relief measures are being carried out on a war footing.

- Helicopters will be made available to support NDRF forces in relief operations.

- Control rooms have been set up in MRO offices, the collector’s office, and the State Secretariat to coordinate response efforts.

Telangana cops ready to tackle heavy rains

In the face of heavy rains in the Godavari and Pranahita catchment areas, the police teams at Mulugu, Kothagudem, Mancherial, Peddapalli, and Bhupalpalli are fully prepared to handle any situation. Anjani Kumar, the DGP of Telangana, recently reviewed the situation with all senior superintendents of police (SSPs). To coordinate rescue and relief operations in the affected regions, IGP Multi Zone-1 Chandrasekher Reddy will be visiting Kothagudem.

Anjani Kumar, DGP, Telangana stated, “Every police officer is ready to support and assist citizens during emergencies. Residents can rely on the police by dialling 100 for any help, as they are available 24/7. The Police and Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams are actively engaged in relief efforts at Mulugu.”

Meanwhile, a Hyderabad Traffic Police displayed his dedication to safety. On-duty Constable Mahender promptly responded to a dangerous situation where a huge helium balloon was tilting dangerously onto the Necklace road, Tankbund. With utmost care and understanding, he ensured the safety of the people in the vicinity.

Maintaining water quality

Mission Bhagiratha is dedicated to ensuring water quality, rain or shine! Despite the heavy rains and high turbidity in floodwaters, the state’s advanced labs said that they are well-prepared to test raw water samples meticulously. “Every drop of water meets the highest quality standards after thorough testing. Even samples with 1,500 NTU turbidity have been treated and reduced to 2.5 NTU. Rest assured, we are committed to providing safe and clean water for all,” stated an official from the Mission Bhagiratha.

Heavy rains wreak havoc in Telangana

Due to heavy rainfall, the Sri Vana Durga Bhavani Devalayam at Edupayala in Papannapet mandal of Medak district is currently surrounded by water.

In Vikarabad district, Basheerabad mandal has been facing continuous heavy rains for the past three days, causing the Kagna River to overflow. The situation has become critical near Jeevangi village, where the temple of Mahadeva Lingeswara Swamy is partially submerged in water due to the excess water. Additionally, several villages were cut off between Dharur to Dornala and Nagaram due to a road being washed away in the floodwaters. The Dornala Bridge is currently under construction.

Despite the challenges, in Karimnagar district, near Velchala village of Ramadugu mandal, locals have found a source of joy amidst the floods. Water bodies being in spate, the farm fields have turned into fishing spots, attracting large numbers of people who are enjoying catching fish in the floodwaters on roads and fields.

Meanwhile, in Nizamabad, the Mupkal Pump House encountered fishes as the floodwater meets the Sriram Sagar Reservoir. At Himayat Sagar, authorities have taken preventive measures by lifting two gates one foot each at 4 pm, with an expected outflow of 700 cusecs, to manage the water levels.