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Heavy rainfall on September 1 caused significant disruptions in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, leading to severe flooding and waterlogging. The weather forecast predicts more rain due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, eight people lost their lives in rain incidents, including flooding and landslides. Authorities have relocated several residents from low-lying areas to safer locations. Around 80 individuals were rescued by national and state disaster relief forces along with police teams.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the landslide victims. An official statement mentioned that the CM has instructed officials to evacuate people from landslide-prone areas as heavy rains are expected for the next two to three days.
Rising Water Levels
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has warned that water levels in rivers flowing through coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, including Godavari and Krishna rivers, may rise. Other rivers like Nagavali, Vamsadhara, Suvarnamukhi, Champavathi, Gosthani, Sarada, Varaha, Sabari, Tammileru, and Yeleru are also expected to see increased water levels.
Four National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and six State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby for emergencies. The Vijayawada Division of the South Central Railway (SCR) Zone has diverted and cancelled several trains while setting up helplines at key railway stations.
Disruptions in Telangana
In Telangana, heavy rains have disrupted train traffic significantly. On September 1, officials reported stoppages, cancellations, and diversions of numerous trains due to flooded tracks. Specifically, 24 trains were halted on the Vijayawada-Kazipet route because of water overflow from lakes and streams.
The South Central Railway stated that several trains are being diverted or cancelled due to heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh to ensure passenger safety. Additional helpline numbers have been set up at important railway stations to assist passengers with train running information.
School Closures and Safety Measures
All primary and secondary schools in Hyderabad will remain closed on September 2 following predictions of heavy rainfall. The weather forecast for Hyderabad over the next 48 hours includes moderate to heavy rainfall or thunderstorms with surface winds expected to reach speeds of 30-40 km/h.
Authorities have advised parents and guardians to heed weather warnings and ensure their children's safety during this period. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari has directed district collectors to enforce safety measures based on the meteorological department's forecast of heavy rains across the state over the next two days.
Government Response
The state government has instructed district collectors to implement measures preventing loss of life and property as moderate to heavy downpour floods low-lying areas and disrupts road connections between villages. Teams of the NDRF have been stationed in Hyderabad and Vijayawada for emergency deployment if needed.
The situation remains critical as both states brace for more rain in the coming days. Authorities continue efforts to manage the impact of severe weather conditions effectively while ensuring public safety.
