Prolonged monsoon leaves crops damaged but reservoirs full in Telangana

Telangana has received 31 per cent excess rainfall due to an extended southwest monsoon, leading to flash floods and crop damage across several districts. While kharif crops like paddy and cotton suffered, the rains have replenished groundwater and reservoirs, promising a well-supported rabi season.

Hyderabad: The prolonged southwest monsoon, extending unusually into mid-October 2025, has left Telangana with 31 per cent excess rainfall, transforming the State into a potential flood-prone zone. Normally withdrawing by September 17, the monsoon remained vigorous well into the second week of October.

By the end of September, rainfall stood 25 per cent above normal, and forecasts indicate a further 15 per cent increase in October. The withdrawal is now expected around October 15.

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Heavy downpours, including over 40 mm in just half an hour on October 5, have triggered widespread flooding, paralysing life in both urban and rural areas.

Districts such as Medak, Sangareddy and Nizamabad experienced flash floods that inundated crops, damaged roads, and battered infrastructure. Eight districts recorded between 65 and 95 per cent excess rainfall, with total flood damages surpassing those of previous years.

The deluge has severely affected kharif crops such as paddy, cotton, pulses and soybeans, which were nearing harvest. Over 70,000 hectares of farmland were submerged, with sand casting affecting vast tracts.

Early reports point to significant damage to cotton and paddy. Nationwide, unseasonal showers are threatening an output reduction of 5 to 10 per cent in vulnerable states, including Telangana.

The floods, however, have also brought some long-term benefits. While rabi sowing may be delayed by 10–15 days due to waterlogging and silt deposits, which may reduce maize acreage, the replenished groundwater and reservoirs have eased drought concerns.

With abundant water storage, the rabi season is expected to be comfortable with improved irrigation schedules.

Telangana’s reservoirs have benefited substantially from the excess rainfall, recording 31 per cent above-average inflows. Major and medium irrigation projects in both the Krishna and Godavari basins have received near-record inflows this year.

Twin reservoirs Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, which supply Hyderabad’s drinking water, also recorded steady inflows from recent rains. In the Krishna basin, the Nagarjuna Sagar project maintained moderate levels, ensuring sufficient storage for the coming season.