Telangana Rains: Orange Alerts for 5 Districts, Floods Create Havoc
Telangana is reeling under intense rainfall as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal triggers heavy to very heavy rains across the state. Rivers and streams are in spate, causing flooding in several areas. In Hanumakonda district, police rescued a young man who was trapped while trying to cross a swollen stream in the middle of the night.
Rakesh Gajula, a resident of Gopalpur in Elkaturthi Mandal, was returning from Huzurabad on his moped on Thursday night. Attempting to cross a flooded culvert, he lost control and was swept away along with his vehicle. He managed to grab the culvert railing and shouted for help. Locals alerted the police, who reached the spot promptly and rescued Rakesh safely after more than half an hour of struggle.
Statewide Rainfall Impact
Heavy rains have disrupted normal life across Telangana. The Hyderabad Meteorological Center has issued warnings for continued heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow. Orange alerts were issued for Nirmal, Nizamabad, Sangareddy, Medak, and Kamareddy districts, while yellow alerts are in effect for Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, and other areas. In the last 24 hours ending Friday morning, Huzurabad in Karimnagar recorded the highest rainfall of 22 cm.
Lightning strikes and floods caused severe damage in many areas. In Jayashankar Bhupalpally, 94 sheep died due to lightning. In Mahabubabad, repeated lightning strikes damaged a house roof and injured a woman. In Karimnagar, the premises of a government school were submerged.
Reservoirs Brimming, Controlled Releases
With heavy rains in the upper regions, reservoirs are reaching full capacity. Nagarkurnool Sagar project received an inflow of over one lakh cusecs, prompting authorities to open six crest gates to release water downstream. This marks the fourth time the gates have been opened this water year (June 1 – May 31). Similarly, the Sripada Ellampalli project is releasing water into the Godavari River through 12 gates. In Peddapalli district, the Maneru River overflowed, trapping four tractors along with drivers; they were rescued by police.
