Telangana reels under torrential rains, crop loss; Two drowned, one missing

Relentless rains over 24 hours have battered Telangana, killing two people, damaging infrastructure, and destroying crops. Several districts reported over 60 mm of rain, prompting a high alert. Rescue efforts and damage assessments are underway amid forecasts of more rainfall.

Hyderabad: Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has battered Telangana, causing extensive crop losses, infrastructure damage and two fatalities in rain-related incidents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that three locations recorded over 20 cm of rainfall overnight, while seven of the State’s 33 districts received heavy rainfall ranging from 60 mm to 83 mm, with a State average of 27.2 mm.

The districts that have borne the brunty include Mahabubnagar (82.8 mm), Wanaparthy (73.6 mm), Narayanpet (70.9 mm), Nagarkurnool (67.3 mm), Vikarabad (66.9 mm), Suryapet (66.3 mm), and Khammam (60.3 mm). With more downpours forecast, the state administration has been put on high alert.

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Two drowned, one missing

The relentless rains claimed two lives in Warangal district. In Sakarasi Kasikunta village, 80-year-old Pasunoori Buchamma drowned in her sleep after floodwaters inundated her home. Mills Colony police have registered a case and are investigating.

In Narayanapuram village, 70-year-old cattle herder Kandikatla Uppalaiah was swept away by the overflowing Akeru Vagu while attempting to save his buffaloes. His body was later recovered by authorities.

In another incident a 50-year-old Ellamma was rescued after falling into a canal near the old bus stand in Mahabubnagar.

Swift action by Circle Inspector Appayya of One Town Police Station and fire department officials helped in saving her. She was admitted to a government hospital for treatment while the successful rescue mission earned praise for the police team from the District Superintendent of Police.

In Mulugu district, a tribal woman Irpa Lakshmi was washed away while crossing the Palem Vagu stream.

Infrastructure devastation

The heavy rainfall has severely impacted infrastructure across Telangana. A section of the national highway near Divitipalli in Mahabubnagar collapsed, trapping a minibus belonging to Amara Raja Company. Several employees sustained injuries and were promptly hospitalized.

In Wanaparthy, floodwaters submerged roads near Ankur village, leading to the suspension of vehicular traffic on the Khilla Ghanpur-Mahabubnagar road, stranding commuters. Local authorities have closed the route and advised residents to avoid travel until conditions improve.

Agricultural losses

The agricultural sector has suffered extensive losses, particularly in Wanaparthy district. Breached irrigation canals and submerged fields have devastated standing crops. In Pangal mandal, a major canal breach caused widespread flooding of agricultural fields.

Similarly, in Peddamandadi mandal, a breach in the Peddamandadi branch canal near Jangamayyapalli inundated farmlands. Standing crops in Atmakur have also been submerged.

Farmers have expressed frustration over recurring drainage issues and the lack of immediate relief. District authorities have deployed teams to assess damages and support affected farmers, but the threat of more rain keeps the situation precarious.

Sarala Sagar project brimming

The Sarala Sagar Project in Wanaparthy’s Madanapuram mandal, Asia’s first auto-siphon irrigation system, is currently overflowing due to the heavy rainfall. While the project’s automatic gates have functioned as designed, locals have raised concerns about its deteriorating condition due to neglect. They have urged authorities to undertake urgent repairs and develop the site as a tourist destination to preserve its historical significance.