Watch: Earthquake amidst heavy rains shocks public in Vikarabad

A 3.1 magnitude earthquake reportedly shook Vikarabad early Thursday amid persistent heavy rains. Tremors lasted a few seconds, with no damage reported. Torrential rainfall inundated cotton fields, breached tanks, and disrupted traffic, forcing authorities to alert residents in low-lying areas.

Hyderabad: Even as heavy rains continued to lash several mandals in Vikarabad district, an earthquake measuring 3.1 magnitude on the Richter scale reportedly hit Basireddypally, Rangapur, Nyamatnagar, Parigi and other areas around 3.45 am on Thursday.

Tremors were reported mainly from the south eastern part of the district, though there has been no official confirmation of the same. People said the tremors were felt for a few seconds. No damage has been reported.

---

Meanwhile, the incessant heavy rains left many cotton fields under sheets of water, while a few tanks were breached with overflowing streams disrupting traffic movement in different villages.

The intermittent rains affected normal life and people were forced to remain indoors. Many farmers, especially those who cultivated cotton and turmeric, are worried over crop loss due to the rains.

At Rajapur in Dharoor mandal, cotton farmers were seen crying inconsolably after their fields were covered under sheets of water. Likewise, at Mominkalan, the cotton fields got washed away due to the gushing rainwater

At Gurudatla village, the tank breached and the water was flowing downstream. Residents in the low lying areas have been alerted by the police and directed to relocate to safe places.

Similarly, the traffic on the Kosgi-Doultabad was affected as the temporary bridge got damaged due to the overflowing stream. The Kotipally project received inflows and is full to the brim. The overflowing water has forced the police to suspend traffic movement between Rudraram and Kotipally.

The River Musi is also overflowing at Nawabpet and the rainwater left the agricultural fields inundated. Officials alerted residents in low lying areas along the riverside to stay alert and move to safer places.