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Telangana Braces for Torrential Rains
Telangana on High Alert as Heavy Rains Lash Hyderabad and Districts
Telangana has been witnessing heavy rainfall across multiple districts, including the capital Hyderabad, raising concerns over flooding, waterlogging, and related health risks. In response, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed the entire state administration to remain on high alert and implement immediate precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.
The Chief Minister’s instructions came after reports of incessant rains disrupting normal life in both urban and rural areas. Areas with old and dilapidated houses, low-lying zones, and regions close to water bodies were identified as highly vulnerable. The administration has been tasked with proactive evacuations, continuous monitoring, and emergency relief operations.
Evacuation from Old and Unsafe Houses
One of the key instructions from the Chief Minister is to evacuate residents from old, unsafe structures and relocate them to safer shelters. Hyderabad, like many historic cities, has several decades-old residential buildings that are prone to collapse during prolonged rainfall.
Officials have been asked to carry out door-to-door checks in vulnerable neighborhoods, ensuring that no family remains trapped in unsafe premises. Schools, community halls, and designated relief centers are being prepared as temporary shelters equipped with food, clean drinking water, and medical support.
Safety Measures at Ganesh Pandals
The timing of the heavy rains coincides with the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, a period when thousands of devotees gather at temporary pandals across Hyderabad and other districts. With electrical installations, decorative lighting, and large gatherings involved, the risk of accidents during waterlogging and storms is high.
Energy officials have been instructed to inspect all power lines near pandals, prevent loose wiring, and ensure uninterrupted yet safe electricity supply. The Chief Minister emphasized that public safety must not be compromised during religious festivities, and all agencies must coordinate to prevent untoward incidents.
Coordinated Efforts by Multiple Agencies
To deal with the evolving situation, Revanth Reddy has directed a multi-agency coordination system. The following departments have been put on high alert:
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HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Management)
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GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation)
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SDRF (State Disaster Response Force)
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Fire and Emergency Services
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Telangana Police
The Chief Minister stressed that timely communication, rapid response, and coordination between these wings are crucial in preventing chaos. Instructions include clearing waterlogged roads, rescuing stranded commuters, and providing emergency assistance to families in distress.
Regulation of Vehicle Movement in Flood-Prone Zones
With rivers, culverts, and causeways experiencing heavy inflows, the Chief Minister has issued a directive to halt vehicular movement in inundated stretches. Past incidents in Telangana have shown that even a few minutes of reckless driving in flooded areas can lead to tragic accidents.
Traffic police have been ordered to deploy barricades, issue real-time alerts, and guide motorists to alternative safe routes. Citizens are also being urged not to risk crossing flooded areas and to follow official advisories strictly.
Irrigation Department’s Role in Preventing Breaches
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the safety of ponds, lakes, and reservoirs, which may face breaches due to heavy inflows. Telangana, known for its large number of artificial water bodies, often faces the risk of flooding when embankments weaken.
The Irrigation Department has been instructed to carry out continuous inspections of bunds, dams, and check dams, strengthen vulnerable stretches, and ensure timely release of excess water wherever necessary. By keeping the situation under check, the state aims to prevent large-scale flooding in downstream habitations.
Rising Risk of Epidemics
One of the greatest challenges following heavy rainfall is the outbreak of communicable diseases. Stagnant water often becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to a spike in dengue, malaria, and chikungunya cases. Similarly, contaminated drinking water raises the chances of diarrhea, cholera, and viral fevers.
Recognizing this danger, the Chief Minister has directed all sanitation staff across GHMC, municipal bodies, and gram panchayats to intensify cleaning operations. Special drives are being organized to remove stagnant water, spray disinfectants, and clear clogged drains.
Medical and Health Authorities on Alert
The Medical and Health Department has also been placed on high alert. Hospitals have been asked to stockpile essential medicines, including antibiotics, fever-reducing drugs, and emergency supplies. Medical camps are being set up in flood-prone and waterlogged colonies, ensuring timely healthcare access to affected families.
Doctors and health workers are being deployed to monitor symptoms of epidemic outbreaks, while awareness drives are being conducted to guide citizens on preventive measures such as boiling drinking water, using mosquito repellents, and avoiding street food during rains.
Citizens’ Role in Flood Preparedness
While the government and administrative wings are making preparations, citizens too play a crucial role. Officials have urged the public to:
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Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours
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Refrain from stepping into flooded drains or nullahs
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Report fallen trees, damaged electric poles, or breaches immediately to GHMC helplines
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Keep emergency contact numbers handy
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Follow official weather advisories from IMD and Telangana Disaster Management Authority
By cooperating with the authorities, citizens can help minimize risks and safeguard their families.
Past Incidents Raise Concerns
Hyderabad has a history of rain-induced tragedies, including building collapses, electrocution cases, and urban flooding. In 2020, the city witnessed one of the heaviest rainfalls in recent decades, resulting in dozens of fatalities and massive property damage.
These past experiences have made the administration more vigilant, with the government keen on avoiding a repeat of such disasters. The latest orders from the Chief Minister reflect a proactive rather than reactive approach to handling the situation.
Conclusion
With heavy rains continuing to lash Hyderabad and several Telangana districts, the state government has swung into action. From evacuations, flood control, and epidemic prevention to festival safety and medical preparedness, every department has been placed on high alert.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s leadership reflects a comprehensive disaster management strategy, combining quick response with long-term preventive measures. However, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on citizens’ cooperation, inter-departmental coordination, and timely decision-making as the situation unfolds.
Disclaimer
This article is a rewritten news report created for informational purposes only. It does not intend to spread panic but to highlight precautionary measures and official instructions regarding heavy rains in Hyderabad and Telangana districts. Readers are advised to follow official advisories from the Government of Telangana, GHMC, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for real-time updates.
