New Delhi: At least 16 people have lost their lives in Telangana as relentless heavy rains continue to batter the state. The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who perished in the floods. The state government has pegged the preliminary damage estimate at Rs 5,000 crore and has urgently requested Rs 2,000 crore in immediate aid from the Central government. Moreover, CM Reddy has appealed to the Centre to declare the floods a national calamity.Extensive damage and disruptionThe incessant rainfall has led to severe flooding in low-lying areas, widespread agricultural damage, and significant disruptions to transportation networks, including road and rail links with neighboring Andhra Pradesh. The worst-hit areas, such as Khammam, have witnessed extensive damage, with household items being swept away and debris piling up at the gates of homes.Transportation has been severely impacted, with gravel washed away from train tracks on multiple routes, causing delays and necessitating ongoing restoration efforts. Lorries were stranded on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway near Kodada due to waterlogging, prompting officials to advise travelers to use the Narkatpalli-Addanki highway as an alternative route.Watch the video here:#WATCH | Telangana: Due to heavy rains, the water level of the Munneru River has increased in Prakash Nagar, Khammam. pic.twitter.com/AwqYTQXqyM— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024CM appeals for central assistanceChief Minister Reddy has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally visit the affected areas and assess the situation. He also reiterated the call for the floods to be declared a national calamity, emphasizing the extensive damage and urgent need for support. CM Reddy has been actively visiting rain-hit regions, assessing the damage, and coordinating with top officials to manage the crisis.Weather forecastThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, warning of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in several districts, including Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, and Nizamabad, until September 3.
