The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe rainfall alert for four districts in Telangana as the intensity of rainfall has decreased in recent days. On September 4, 2024, heavy downpours are expected in isolated areas of Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, and Mulugu. Additionally, thunderstorms with strong winds and lightning are likely in Adilabad, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, and Mahabubabad districts.
In Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, the next 24 hours are forecasted to be mostly cloudy, with moderate to heavy rain or thunderstorms and strong winds. Temperatures are expected to range between 23°C and 27°C.
Impact of Recent Rains
The recent heavy rainfall and flooding have resulted in significant damage across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. At least 35 people have died due to rain-related incidents, with 19 fatalities reported in Andhra Pradesh and 16 in Telangana. Over 47,000 individuals have been relocated to relief camps across both states.
According to the IMD, rainfall intensity is expected to decrease as the depression over East Vidarbha and Telangana moves northwest across Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh, eventually weakening into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours.
Chief Minister’s Response
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has described the floods in Vijayawada as the “biggest disaster” he has witnessed in the state. Naidu, currently based at the collectorate in the NTR district, plans to request the Centre to declare the floods as a natural disaster. He highlighted that the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada released 11.43 lakh cusecs of water, its highest flood level, on Monday, which was reduced to 9.64 lakh cusecs on Tuesday. The floodwaters caused significant damage, including submerging roads and the Swathi Theatre area in Vijayawada.
Relief Efforts and Government Actions
In response to the crisis, 47 rescue teams, including personnel from the NDRF and SDRF, have been deployed for relief operations. On Monday, food parcels were distributed to over 3.5 lakh people in the affected areas. In Vijayawada, waterlogging issues have been reported but are now receding.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has supported Naidu’s appeal for national disaster status and requested immediate relief assistance of Rs 2,000 crore from the Centre. Reddy has also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families who have lost loved ones due to the floods. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured both Chief Ministers of the necessary support during this challenging time.
