The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts in Telangana, including Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The heavy rains have caused several rivulets to overflow and led to significant flooding in the state.
A severe breach occurred at the Peddavagu project dam in Narayanapuram of Ashwaraopet mandal due to a heavy inflow of water, resulting in the inundation of three villages. Rescue operations were promptly initiated with helicopters evacuating stranded residents and transporting them to relief camps.
Telangana Rains: Rescue and Relief Efforts
Disaster management teams successfully rescued approximately 40 individuals stranded in agricultural fields following the flooding caused by the breach. Two helicopters were deployed for the rescue operations, which began on Thursday evening. In Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, about 150 people received food and shelter at a relief camp on Friday.
A revenue official said that the water from the breached irrigation project flowed downstream into neighboring Andhra Pradesh. The extent of crop damage will be assessed once the waters recede and a proper evaluation can be conducted, as per a report on PTI.
Bhadradri-Kothagudem District Collector Jitesh V Patil conducted a teleconference with officials from various departments, emphasizing the need for vigilance at the village level in anticipation of further rainfall.
State Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has directed chief engineers of the department to remain at their headquarters and monitor the situation closely. They are instructed to track hourly inflows into major and medium irrigation projects, ensure proper gate operations as per guidelines, and prioritize the safety of lives and property.