Hyderabad, Telangana: Telangana is reeling under heavy rainfall as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal continues to impact the state. The Hyderabad Meteorological Centre has issued a red alert for the entire state for today and tomorrow, warning residents to remain cautious.
According to K. Nagaratna, Director of the Meteorological Centre, red alerts of heavy to very heavy rainfall have been issued for Sangareddy, Vikarabad, Medak, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Bhupalpally, and Mulugu districts. Meanwhile, several other districts are under an orange alert for heavy rain.
Rainfall Highlights: Balapur in Rangareddy district recorded the highest rainfall of 89 mm today. Persistent heavy rains have prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to issue a high alert, with emergency control rooms activated to manage flood-prone areas and other contingencies.
GHMC Commissioner Karnan appealed to residents to stay indoors and avoid travel, especially in vulnerable zones, while ensuring that emergency services remain accessible.
Historical Context and Losses: Heavy rainfall and red alerts are not new for Telangana. Past years have seen similar situations, causing widespread disruption. Below is a snapshot of recent rainfall alerts and associated losses:
| Year | Type of Alert | Affected Areas | Estimated Losses | Public Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Red Alert | Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal | ₹45 crore+ | Waterlogging, traffic chaos, property damage |
| 2022 | Red Alert | Hyderabad, Khammam, Warangal | ₹30 crore+ | Flooded streets, power outages, school closures |
| 2021 | Orange/Red Alert | Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Vikarabad | ₹25 crore+ | Disrupted daily life, crop damage in outskirts |
| 2020 | Red Alert | Hyderabad, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri | ₹20 crore+ | Homes and vehicles damaged, transportation affected |
Public Advisory: Residents are advised to contact emergency services for assistance at the following toll-free numbers: NDRF- 8333068536, 9154170992, 8712660600, GHMC- 040-278524482, and the police helpline 100.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain vigilant as the rains are expected to persist over the next two days.
