Heavy rains wreak havoc in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh; schools closed, train services interrupted

New Delhi: Recent heavy rainfall has severely impacted multiple regions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, leading to widespread flooding and significant disruptions to everyday life. Low-lying areas have been completely submerged, with roads underwater and impassable. The intense rain has also led to interruptions in train services and school closures, particularly in Hyderabad, as authorities prepare for additional rainfall in the coming days.

Relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh

In Andhra Pradesh, the heavy rains have resulted in tragic consequences, including at least eight fatalities related to the flooding and landslides. Many residents from affected low-lying areas have been evacuated to safer locations. The national and state disaster relief teams and local police have rescued approximately 80 people from various locations.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been actively overseeing the crisis, having canceled all scheduled activities on Saturday due to the severe weather. He has instructed officials to promptly allocate Rs 3 crore to each district for relief operations. 

Among the eight victims, five died in landslides that occurred in Mogalrajapuram, Vijayawada. Large boulders fell onto two houses in the area as a result of the heavy rains. Additionally, in the Guntur district, a teacher and two students tragically lost their lives when their car was swept away while trying to cross an overflowing stream.

Most affected areas

The worst-affected areas in Andhra Pradesh include Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Kaikaluru, Narasapuram, Amaravati, Mangalagiri, Nandigama and Bhimavaram. The flooding has caused substantial damage to infrastructure and property across these regions.

Disruptions to train services

The flooding has significantly impacted train services, particularly on the Vijayawada-Warangal route. A local stream overflowed, submerging tracks near Vijayawada and halting train movements on the Vijayawada-Khammam route. Similarly, a swollen stream near Tandalapusalapalli, close to Mahabubabad railway station, disrupted services on the Warangal-Khammam route. Furthermore, rainwater flowing over tracks near Kesamudram railway station forced the suspension of train services at nearby stations.

Government responds to flood situation

The extensive rainfall has led to widespread waterlogging on roads, further disrupting daily activities. Property damage reports are emerging from various parts of the state. In response, the Andhra Pradesh government has established a state-level control room to manage rescue and relief operations. Citizens in need of emergency medical services are advised to contact the control room at +919032384168.

A dedicated team, led by Dr. Subrahmanyeswari (+917386451239) and Dr. MV Padmaja (+9183748935490), will oversee emergency medical services from the control room until September 3.

Weather forecast and ongoing rainfall

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression in the Bay of Bengal that caused the heavy rainfall crossed the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts near Kalingapatnam early on September 1. It is expected to continue moving northwestwards, potentially affecting north Andhra Pradesh, south Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rains disrupt Telangana

In Telangana, heavy rains have also led to flooding of low-lying areas and disrupted transportation. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed all government departments to stay alert and take necessary precautions to mitigate adverse effects. Hyderabad, the state capital, has been particularly hard-hit by the persistent rain.

The government has directed the immediate relocation of residents from flood-prone areas to relief camps. Control rooms have been set up in every district collector’s office and in Hyderabad to coordinate relief efforts. In Mahabubabad, floodwaters have washed away a railway track, compounding the transportation issues.

School closed in Hyderabad

Due to the forecasted heavy rainfall, district authorities in Hyderabad have ordered the closure of all primary and secondary schools on September 2 as a precautionary measure. The state Chief Secretary has emphasized the need for a comprehensive evacuation plan and the establishment of relief camps in affected areas.

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka conducted a midnight visit to the Madhira area to oversee ongoing relief operations. The heavy rains have impacted several districts, including Mahabubabad, Narayanpet, and Khammam.

The weather department has predicted that heavy to hefty rain is likely to continue in isolated areas, including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Jagital, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Warangal, and other districts.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Hyderabad and Vijayawada to support the relief and rescue operations.