Torrential rains have wreaked havoc in the Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leaving at least 31 people dead and causing widespread devastation. The heavy downpours, which began early Monday, have resulted in the flooding of thousands of acres of crops, severe disruption of transportation, and widespread power outages.
In Andhra Pradesh, the worst affected districts include NTR, Guntur, Krishna, Eluru, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Prakasam. Nearly 4.5 lakh people have been impacted, with residents in Vijayawada struggling with shortages of essential supplies like milk.
In Telangana, 16 fatalities have been reported, and the state government has estimated the damage at ₹ 5,000 crore, requesting immediate central assistance of ₹ 2,000 crore. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹ 5 lakh each for the families of the deceased and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected areas and declare the floods a national calamity.
The floods in Telangana have also caused significant infrastructure damage, including the washing away of gravel under a railway track near Kesamudram, disrupting train services. Preliminary estimates suggest that crops on over 1.5 lakh acres have been damaged.
The South Central Railway network has been severely impacted, with 432 trains cancelled and 13 partially cancelled due to flooding and waterlogging on tracks. Additionally, 139 trains have been diverted.
Relief efforts are ongoing, with government officials, including State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, visiting affected areas to assess the damage and coordinate aid. Twenty State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, forecasting more heavy rain in several Telangana districts until 8:30 am on September 3. The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in many districts during this period.
