At least 16 people have died due to severe rain-related incidents in Telangana, where torrential downpours have led to widespread devastation. The state government has estimated the damage at Rs 5,000 crore and has requested immediate assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Central government.
Impact on infrastructure and agriculture
The relentless rainfall has caused flooding in low-lying areas, significant damage to agricultural crops and disruptions to rail and road transport links with Andhra Pradesh. In response, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives and has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected areas and declare the floods a national calamity.
Government response and assessment
Revanth Reddy, who assessed the situation in Suryapet, stated that the preliminary damage estimate stands at Rs 5,000 crore. He has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive report on the damage, which will be submitted to the Centre.
Flood-affected areas in Khammam have seen extensive damage, with household items washed away and debris caught on house gates. Residents have shared their struggles with state Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao.
Precautionary measures and alerts
With further rain forecasted for Adilabad, Nizamabad and Nirmal districts, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to remain vigilant and consider relocating residents from vulnerable areas to relief camps if necessary. Control rooms are to be set up in district Collectorates to monitor the situation.
The South Central Railway (SCR) reported significant disruptions, with 432 train cancellations, 13 partial cancellations and 139 diversions due to waterlogging on the tracks. Restoration work is underway, with services expected to resume on the Kazipet-Vijayawada section by the evening of September 3, although this may be delayed if adverse conditions persist.
Highway and travel issues
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, flooding has also impacted the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway, causing many lorries to be stranded. Travellers are advised to use the Narkatpalli-Addanki highway as an alternative route.
In Khammam, following the floods in the Munneru rivulet, residents are beginning to clean their homes as water levels recede. Reports indicate that valuable documents and academic certificates were lost, and some residents are facing shortages of drinking water and food. The district administration is working to distribute essential items and restore electricity.
The Met Centre has forecast heavy rain at isolated locations in several districts of Telangana, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds. A yellow alert has been issued.
Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have assured support for the state following discussions with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
With inputs from PTI