Telangana records wettest October ever with 96% excess rainfall

Telangana witnessed its wettest October on record, receiving 175 mm rainfall — nearly double the average — due to Cyclone Montha’s remnants. Intense downpours triggered flash floods, landslips, and widespread damage, especially in Warangal and Hanamkonda

Hyderabad: Telangana has logged its wettest October on record, as relentless rains triggered by Cyclone Montha’s remnants inundated several districts and shattered long-standing rainfall records.

The State received around 175 mm of rainfall in October, nearly double the normal average of 89.4 mm, marking a 96 per cent excess. This surpassed previous highs, with extreme events such as 422 mm recorded within 24 hours at Bheemadevarapalle in Hanamkonda, causing flash floods and severe damage.

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Officials described the deluge as the most intense in Telangana’s recorded history, attributing it to increasing climate vulnerabilities. The torrential downpour left urban drainage systems, particularly in Warangal, overwhelmed and also triggered landslips in agency areas.

Rainfall data over the years show that October has generally witnessed surpluses, barring a few exceptions. This year, Telangana registered an overall 33 per cent excess rainfall for June–October period. The State had received 80 mm of rain in October 2021 (near normal), 60 mm in 2022 (deficit), and just 6.5 mm in 2023, when the month turned out to be the driest in decades with a 93 per cent deficit.

In 2024, the rainfall was 75 mm, again near normal, but this year, October saw intense cloudbursts pushing the total to 175 mm, setting a new record.

Districts like Warangal and Hanamkonda were among the worst hit, recording 198.5 mm and widespread flooding that severely impacted the agricultural sector.