Telangana braces for heavy rains; Govt deploys relief teams, GHMC on alert

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday directed the entire state administration to remain on high alert, following the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting moderate to heavy rains across several districts of Telangana.

The chief minister instructed officials to take urgent precautionary measures and ensure immediate relief to people in rain-hit areas.

Districts on alert

The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in Nizamabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Vikarabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Khammam.

While 15 districts reported heavy rains, others received normal rainfall. Jagtial, which had earlier recorded a deficit this monsoon, has been witnessing heavy downpour since Friday night.

Deployment of relief teams

Revanth Reddy held a review on the flood situation and directed the deployment of NDRF and SDRF teams in advance. District Collectors were asked to closely coordinate with field officials to carry out rescue and relief operations in flood-hit habitations. Families in low-lying areas are to be shifted to relief camps, he said.

Irrigation and safety measures

The Irrigation Department has been tasked with monitoring reservoirs, canals, rivulets, and ponds that are witnessing heavy inflows. Officials were told to keep sandbags ready to prevent breaches and promptly alert Collectors before releasing floodwaters.

Police and Revenue officials were instructed to block traffic on inundated bridges, causeways, and vulnerable stretches.

Focus on health and sanitation

To prevent the spread of water and vector-borne diseases, the chief minister directed Municipal, Urban, and Village administration authorities to carry out sanitation drives in waterlogged areas. The Health Department has been asked to stockpile medicines and set up medical camps in vulnerable localities.

Hyderabad preparedness

Reviewing the situation in Greater Hyderabad, the chief minister ordered GHMC, HYDRAA, Fire Services, and SDRF teams to respond swiftly to distress calls.

Revanth Reddy emphasized coordination among Revenue, Electricity, Panchayat Raj, R&B, Medical and Health, Municipal Administration, Police, Fire Services, and SDRF to minimize loss of life, property, and livestock.