Telangana: Official machinery on high alert as Cyclone Montha triggers heavy rains
With Cyclone Montha triggering heavy rains across Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy placed the administration on high alert and directed all departments to ensure public safety, protect crops, and provide relief in low-lying areas facing flooding and damage
Hyderabad: With heavy rains lashing several parts of Telangana under the influence of Cyclone Montha, the State government has placed the entire administration on high alert and directed district authorities to take all precautionary measures to prevent loss of life and property.
Reviewing the situation, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inquired about the damage to paddy crops and instructed officials to make special arrangements at paddy and cotton procurement centres to protect stocks from rain damage. Officials briefed him that Khammam, Warangal and Nalgonda districts were likely to face the most severe impact.
As Hyderabad witnessed continuous downpour, he directed GHMC and disaster management teams to rescue people from inundated areas and provide immediate relief. He also instructed civic and irrigation authorities to closely monitor rivulets, canals, reservoirs and projects, and alert district officials before releasing water from overflowing water bodies.
While evacuation of families from low-lying areas and their relocation to relief camps are underway, sandbags are to be kept ready at reservoirs receiving heavy inflows. Police and revenue officials were asked to barricade flooded bridges and restrict vehicular movement on low-lying roads.
Following the suspension of Golconda Express and Konark Express at Dornakal Junction and Gundratimadugu station, and the diversion of several trains, railway and district officials were asked to arrange alternative transport and ensure stranded passengers face no inconvenience.
Revanth Reddy directed SDRF and NDRF teams to coordinate with district collectors in rescue operations. GHMC, HYDRAA, SDRF and Fire Department personnel were directed to respond swiftly to distress calls from citizens in Hyderabad and surrounding districts. Medical camps and emergency health supplies have been kept ready in the affected areas.
Departments of Revenue, Electricity, Panchayat Raj, R&B, Health, Police and Fire Services have been instructed to work in close coordination during the crisis. Emphasising public health precautions, he cautioned officials about possible epidemic outbreaks due to water stagnation.
