Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Hyderabad and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have issued alert as extremely heavy monsoon rains are expected on Wednesday, August 13, and Thursday, August 14.
The forecast also mentioned thunderstorms, lightning, squalls, etc.
Extremely heavy rain warning issued for Telangana
A warning has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in various parts of Telangana from 1:13 pm on August 13 till 8:30 am on August 14.
Areas of Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Badradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Suryapet,Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medchal Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy and Medak districts are expected to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours.
Residents are advised to follow State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) guidelines.
One dead in Warangal amid heavy rainfall
An 80-year-old woman died on Tuesday, August 12, after water entered her hut following heavy rain, reported PTI.
According to police officials, the woman had gone to sleep on the floor on Monday night.
Several low-lying areas in Warangal town were inundated on Tuesday, prompting authorities to set up six relief centres for flood-affected residents.
Sai Ganesh Colony, Lenin Nagar, Giri Prasad Colony and other localities in the limits of Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) were submerged after the downpour on Monday night.
An official release said 1,300 people were provided breakfast on Tuesday in six relief centres.
Warangal district Collector Satya Sarada, who visited the rain-hit areas along with officials, said congestion in the storm-water drains was obstructing the flow of water.
The GWMC has initiated measures to expand the drainage system, an official release quoted her as saying.
Alert by GHMC
In view of the expected weather conditions, the GHMC issued a special weather alert.
As per the alert, heavy rains are expected from the evening of August 13 to the evening of August 14. “Rainfall may reach 80-150 mm in 36 hours,” it added.
The GHMC has also advised people to avoid waterlogged areas and monitor official updates.
For public assistance, the civic body mentioned that teams are on standby to respond. It asked individuals in need of help to call 040-21111111 or dial 100.
Later, commissioner RV Karnan said that GHMC is on full alert to deal with any catastrophic situation. “Officials on leave have been asked to report back to duty. Senior officers have been ordered to remain at headquarters. Regular field inspections are being conducted by zonal commissioners and deputy commissioners across the city. We are constantly addressing public grievances,” he told reporters.
He has asked citizens to avoid commuting unless extremely necessary. “Avoid travelling to low-lying areas. Do not open manholes under any circumstances and inform concerned officials,” he said.
The GHMC has identified several traffic choke points across the city and is coordinating with HYDRAA to ease vehicular movement. In the coming days, underground tunnels will be constructed to prevent waterlogging situations, Karnan said.
IMD forecasts monsoon rains in Hyderabad
Meanwhile, the weather department has forecasted rains in the city till Saturday, August 16.
For the first time in the current monsoon season, it has issued red alert for various districts of Telangana. In case of Hyderabad, it issued an orange alert for Wednesday and Thursday, whereas for Friday and Saturday, it issued a yellow alert.
Similar forecasts have also been made by weather enthusiast T. Balaji, who is renowned for his accurate weather predictions.
As per his forecast, heavy to very heavy rains are expected in Hyderabad from this evening to tomorrow evening.
“The coming 36 hours are crucial,” he added.
Rain alert by HYDRAA
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has forecast that extremely heavy rainfall is likely in northern parts of Hyderabad.
Medchal, Patancheruvu, Chandanagar, Miyapur, Gachibowli, Kukatpally, and Gajularamaram (Cyberabad area) will receive extremely heavy rainfall (>15 cm). The rest of Hyderabad city will also experience heavy rainfall (7 cm–12 cm), it added.
The HYDRAA commissioner stated that rainfall intensity is likely to increase from the afternoon onwards.
In view of the heavy monsoon rains forecasts made by IMD Hyderabad, GHMC, HYDRAA and Telangana Weatherman, people need to plan their travels accordingly.
The article above has been updated with the latest GHMC news.
