Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, claiming at least 10 more lives as of Sunday. The relentless downpour has caused severe flooding, waterlogging, and major disruptions to both road and rail traffic in the two states.
Key Developments in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Rain Crisis:
- Rivers in Spate: Rivers in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are overflowing, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents by national and state disaster response forces. Those affected have been moved to relief camps set up in safer areas.
- Rail Disruptions: The heavy rains and subsequent waterlogging have forced the cancellation of more than 100 trains, with several others diverted. The South Central Railway network, which serves these states, has been significantly impacted, causing major travel disruptions.
- Government Response: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, assuring them of all necessary assistance from the central government.
- Casualties and Alerts: In Telangana, nine people have lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, according to Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. Hyderabad has declared a school holiday for Monday due to widespread waterlogging.
- Weather Warnings: The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for several districts in Telangana, including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Yadadri Bhuvangiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Kamareddy, and Mahabubnagar, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall on Monday.
- Emergency Measures: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy convened an emergency review meeting, directing officials to remain vigilant and ensure immediate relief for flood-affected areas. He also advised the public to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
- Andhra Pradesh Impact: Nine rain-related fatalities have been reported in Andhra Pradesh since Saturday, with one person still missing. Vijayawada district has been severely affected, with the Budameru rivulet overflowing and flooding several localities.
- Further Rainfall Expected: The districts of Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram, Parvatipuram Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Kakinada, and Nandyala in Andhra Pradesh are likely to experience heavy rainfall on Monday, compounding the challenges already faced by the residents.