Hyderabad: With the India Meteorological Department predicting intense rainfall across Telangana, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy directed all district officials to stay on high alert for the next 24 hours. He assigned senior officers to supervise conditions in the ten erstwhile districts.
Minister reviews rainfall impact with top officials
On Thursday, Reddy held a video conference with Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, district collectors, and SPs. The session aimed to assess ongoing rainfall, review relief operations, and issue necessary directives. The minister urged swift action to prevent both life and property loss.
Rainfall patterns over the past three days showed uneven distribution, with some districts witnessing sharp increases. In the last 24 hours alone, more than 10 cm of rain fell in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mancherial, Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Asifabad, Peddapalli, and Karimnagar. Consequently, red alerts were issued for Medak, Sangareddy, and Vikarabad.
To manage the crisis, ₹1 crore was sanctioned for each district. More funds will be released if needed. The minister also canceled all staff leave and ordered immediate reporting for duty.
Reddy asked officials to focus on low-lying and flood-prone areas. He directed departments in Greater Hyderabad including municipal, metro water board, and traffic wings to act in coordination. Police presence was mandated at low-level bridges, while causeways and railway tracks were to be monitored round-the-clock.
To control disease outbreaks, the minister emphasized sanitation and clean water. He noted that 200 mm of rain could force evacuations in backwater regions. To resolve this long-term, he proposed relocating vulnerable residents and constructing Indiramma housing.
Finally, the minister ordered all districts especially Hyderabad to tighten traffic management. He stressed that all departments must coordinate to ensure smooth mobility during heavy downpours.
The meeting included Ranga Reddy Collector C. Narayana Reddy, Additional Collector Chandra Reddy, DRO Sangeeta, Chevella RDO Chandrakala, and other senior district and police officers.
