Telangana rains: Red alert Issued for Hyderabad; schools and colleges closed | Key Points

PTC News Desk: As moderate to heavy rains continue to impact various regions of Telangana, causing flooding in low-lying areas and disrupting road connections between villages, the state government has taken urgent measures to mitigate potential loss of life and property.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red, Orange, and Yellow alerts for all districts in Telangana on Sunday, September 1. This broad warning comes in response to the forecast of heavy rains expected to persist over the next two days.

In response to the severe weather conditions, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari has instructed district collectors to implement comprehensive safety measures. Streams have swollen significantly in districts such as Mahabubabad, Narayanpet, and Khammam due to the ongoing rains.

Here’s a summary of the key actions and developments:

• Alerts Issued: The IMD has placed all Telangana districts under Red, Orange, and Yellow alerts, reflecting varying levels of weather severity and potential impact.
• NDRF Deployment: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are stationed in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, ready for deployment if needed.
• Control Rooms Established: The state government has mandated the setup of control rooms in every district collector’s office, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and the state secretariat to manage the situation effectively.
• Supervision of Streams: District administrations have been directed to appoint specific officers to oversee the management of overflowing streams and related issues.
• School Closures: In light of the heavy rain forecast and the red alert for Hyderabad district, all primary and secondary schools will remain closed on September 2 to ensure the safety of students.
• Water Safety Measures: The state government has issued advisories to prevent tank contamination and ensure proper chlorination to avoid the spread of waterborne diseases.
• Weather Forecast: Hyderabad is expected to experience moderate to heavy rain or thunderstorms over the next 48 hours, with surface winds potentially reaching speeds of 30-40 km/h.
• Safety Advisories: Authorities have advised parents and guardians to stay informed about weather warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children.
• Evacuation and Relief: The state has developed a proactive plan to evacuate people from flood-affected areas and establish relief camps to assist those in need.
• Irrigation Department Alert: A high alert has been issued to officials in the irrigation department, advising them to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions while staying at their posts.

The situation remains fluid, and the state government continues to monitor the situation closely to respond promptly to any emerging needs.