The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Telangana, forecasting heavy rainfall in Jayashankar Bhupalapalle, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial, and Mulugu districts on September 4. In response to the continuous downpours expected until September 7, local authorities have announced the closure of schools and colleges in the affected regions. The situation remains under close observation as authorities brace for potential disruptions.
Andhra Pradesh is facing similar challenges, with an orange alert in place for NTR and Krishna districts. This warning, which indicates extremely severe weather conditions, has prompted the closure of educational institutions in the NTR district. An orange alert typically signifies heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, or other adverse weather conditions that could disrupt daily life and pose safety risks.
The intense rainfall, combined with a cyclonic circulation over coastal Andhra Pradesh, has resulted in widespread flooding, severely damaging infrastructure and crops. Tragically, 35 lives have been lost across both states. Roads, rail tracks, and farmlands are submerged, leaving residents struggling to access essential supplies.
In some areas, floodwaters have begun to recede, allowing authorities to ramp up relief efforts. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu have visited the affected regions, pledging ongoing support. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has assured that the central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is coordinating with the Telangana government to provide necessary assistance.
Relief operations are in full swing, with the Indian Air Force and Navy conducting rescue missions and delivering supplies to stranded individuals. In Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, helicopters have dropped 50,000 kg of relief materials in flood-hit areas. Despite these efforts, residents are facing power shortages, and some are being exploited by private boat operators charging exorbitant fees for transportation.
In Telangana, government employees have collectively donated ₹130 crore from their salaries to support relief initiatives. Additionally, CM Revanth Reddy has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to families who lost loved ones in the floods. Notable celebrities, including Telugu actor N Balakrishna and Mahesh Babu, have also contributed to relief efforts, each donating ₹50 lakh to the relief funds in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
