10 Dead as Torrential Rains Continue to Affect Telangana, Andhra Pradesh

Torrential rains have continued to wreak havoc in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leading to significant disruptions and fatalities. At least 10 more people have died, and numerous areas are flooded, causing road and rail traffic disruptions. A South Central Railway (SCR) official reported that 99 trains were cancelled, four partially cancelled, and 54 diverted due to waterlogging on tracks.

Evacuations and Relief Efforts

Thousands of residents have been evacuated by national and state disaster response forces from flood-affected regions to relief camps. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy of all possible central government assistance to manage the situation. Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy confirmed nine deaths in various rain-related incidents across the state.

In Mahabubabad and Khammam districts, three individuals are feared washed away. Authorities evacuated residents from several flood-hit villages in districts like Suryapet, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahbubabad, and Khammam. Hyderabad also experienced heavy rains, leading to waterlogging in many parts of the city. Due to the forecast of more heavy rains, a holiday has been declared for all schools in Hyderabad district on September 2.

Weather Alerts and Warnings

The weather department issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rain in isolated places across several districts of Telangana until 8:30 am on September 2. Districts under alert include Adilabad, Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Kamareddy, and Mahabubnagar. Andhra Pradesh is also expected to receive rainfall in several areas, with heavy rainfall predicted in parts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, and Nandyala districts.

Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority managing director R Kurmandh alerted people living in low-lying areas. The first level warning was issued at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada due to the Krishna river's spate following heavy inflow. Andhra Pradesh has reported nine rain-related deaths and one missing case since Saturday.

Impact on Infrastructure

In Vijayawada district, Budameru rivulet overflowed at several points on Sunday, flooding many city localities such as Ajit Singh Nagar and Swathi Theatre area. Many houses and vehicles were submerged. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stated that Vijayawada-Guntur national highway at Kaza and Vijayawada-Hyderabad national highway at Jaggaiahpeta were completely marooned.

Naidu mentioned that Jaggaiahpeta received 26 cm rainfall in 24 hours while 14 mandals registered over 20 cm rainfall. He noted that up to 2 lakh cusecs of rainwater entered Budameru but the state is unable to estimate how much more water is expected to flow in. Floodwater meant for Kolleru Lake was turning towards Vijayawada causing flooding.

Rescue Operations

Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar announced that nine NDRF teams have been dispatched to Telangana following orders from the Home Minister. A portion of gravel under the railway track near Kesamudram in Mahabubabad district was washed away due to floodwaters. This resulted in passengers being stranded at Kesamudram railway station.

Due to incessant rains over the past 24 hours in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, there has been flooding and breaches in Kazipet to Vijayawada section. Five trains were stranded while officials moved 15 trains via a diverted path. Water is flowing on NH 65 at Chillakallu and Nandigama in Andhra Pradesh while the Paleru River is overflowing on the road at Nayakinigudem on the way from Suryapet to Khammam.

Rainfall Statistics

Malyal in Mahabubabad district received the highest rainfall of 40 cm followed by Mahabubabad with 37 cm and Kodada in Suryapet district with 35 cm till 8:30 am on Sunday. The depression over north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts moved northwestwards crossing near Kalingapatnam early Sunday morning.

The weather system currently lies centred over south Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh about 90 km north-northwest of Visakhapatnam and 120 km east of Malkangiri. It is expected to move west-northwestwards across south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.

Chief Minister Naidu stated that reinforcements downstream of Prakasam Barrage are being made with sandbags and other means while district collectors have been alerted. He added that arrangements for food are being made at rehabilitation centres for affected people. Over 1.1 lakh hectares of agricultural fields and 7,360 hectares of horticultural fields were damaged due to the rains.

The ongoing heavy rains have caused severe disruptions across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with significant loss of life and property damage. Authorities continue their efforts to manage the situation through evacuations, relief camps, and infrastructure reinforcements while monitoring weather developments closely.