Hyderabad, India – Devastating heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Telangana, claiming lives, displacing residents, and inflicting significant damage to infrastructure. Official reports indicate that these rains represent the most severe downpour the region has experienced in 50 years.
Tragic incidents have occurred, with at least two individuals swept away in Neelakatta Vagu, while another has died due to a collapsed wall in Kamareddy district. In yet another troubling incident, Bestha Satyam and Yada Goud from Rajapet village were caught in a rushing current at Rajapet bridge. Search and rescue teams successfully recovered Satyam’s body, while Goud remains missing.
In Rajanna-Sircilla district, five people stranded on a small island were airlifted to safety by two helicopters deployed by the Army. The state government reported that as of Thursday evening, 1,444 individuals had been rescued, but six others remain unaccounted for.
The flooding has severely impacted transportation, with one bridge on Upper Manair Vagu sustaining damage and leading to a temporary closure of traffic. Officials are urgently assessing the economic toll, as large portions of farmland have been inundated, with crop losses expected to be substantial.
Rainfall data shows that at least 14 locations recorded over 100 mm of precipitation from Thursday morning until the evening. The highest total, 171.3 mm, was registered in Ramareddy mandal in Kamareddy, followed closely by other areas, including Kaldurki and Thumpally in Nizamabad.
Rescue efforts are underway, with 15 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and five from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) actively deployed in the hardest-hit areas. Additionally, 100 personnel from the Indian Army’s TASA unit have been dispatched to aid relief operations in Medak.
Widespread devastation has been noted, particularly in Kamareddy and Medak districts, where numerous neighborhoods, including Housing Board Colony and GR Colony, have been entirely submerged. Essential supplies are being distributed to families affected by the floods. Traffic disruptions have been significant, with key national highways experiencing multiple breaches, forcing diversions for all vehicle types.
Authorities reported that 47 roads, 23 culverts, and 15 bridges are underwater. Joint teams from police, revenue, and Panchayat Raj departments are monitoring blocked routes, while alerts have been issued for villages at risk of flooding. Damage has been reported at 85 critical roadway locations, with railway services also affected due to breaches in tracks.
In Nizamabad, the flooding caused by a nearby reservoir breach led to the evacuation of approximately 200 families from Nadimi Thanda and surrounding areas. SDRF personnel assisted in ensuring their safety and relocation.
As the situation unfolds, officials continue to respond to the calamity, focused on rescue and restoring stability to the region. The severity of this natural disaster serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in the face of extreme weather conditions.