Telangana Flood : Schools Shut, Rescue Operations Intensify

Key Takeaways:

Weather Alerts Issued: The IMD has issued a "Yellow alert" for four districts in Telangana and an "Orange alert" for two districts in Andhra Pradesh, warning of heavy rains until September 7.
Schools Closed Due to Heavy Rains: Schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh's NTR district are closed on September 4 due to the severe weather conditions.
Severe Impact on Lives and Infrastructure: Torrential rains have caused 35 deaths, submerged roads and rail tracks, and flooded thousands of acres of crops across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Relief Efforts Intensify: With floodwaters receding, state governments have ramped up relief operations. The Indian Air Force and Navy are actively airlifting stranded residents and distributing essential supplies.
Political and Public Reactions: Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan criticized the previous government for inadequate infrastructure maintenance. Celebrities like N Balakrishna and Mahesh Babu have donated to relief efforts.
Challenges Continue: Residents in Vijayawada face severe power shortages, while some private boat operators are reportedly exploiting flood victims with high fees.
Financial Support for Relief: Telangana Governor and state employees have contributed significant funds to support flood relief, and the Telangana CM announced compensation for affected families.

Andhra govt to distribute essential commodities to families in flood-hit areas

Image Source - India Today

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a "Yellow alert" for heavy rains in Telangana districts—Jayashankar Bhupalapalle, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial, and Mulugu—and an "Orange alert" for NTR and Krishna districts in Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rain is expected in Telangana until September 7, with a low-pressure area likely to form over the Bay of Bengal on September 5. Due to the rain, schools and colleges in Andhra Pradesh's NTR district are closed on September 4.

Image Source - Telegraph India

Impact and Relief Efforts

Severe rains have caused 35 deaths, damaged roads, submerged rail tracks, and flooded thousands of acres of crops in both states. As floodwaters recede, the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have intensified relief efforts. Chief Ministers N Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy have visited the affected areas, and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah assured all necessary assistance.

Rains throw life out of gear in Andhra Pradesh

Image Source - Telegraph India

Military and Government Interventions

The Indian Air Force and Navy have deployed helicopters to distribute relief supplies and airlift people stranded in flooded areas. Over 44,000 people are staying in relief camps, and 50,000 kg of relief materials have been distributed in the NTR District. Meanwhile, South Central Railway is working on restoring areas where rains caused breaches. The Telangana Governor and government employees have contributed funds to support immediate relief efforts.

Local Challenges and Political Reactions

Residents in some parts of Vijayawada face power shortages, and there are reports of private boat operators charging high fees to flood victims. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan criticized the former government for neglecting smaller irrigation projects, worsening the flood impact.

(Mahesh Babu and Chiranjeevi tweeted from their X account)

Support from Public Figures

Telugu actor and TDP MLA N. Balakrishna, along with actor Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi, and other have each donated ₹50 lakh to the relief funds for both states. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announced compensation for families of the deceased and promised increased support for those who lost livestock.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies