Schools in 5 districts of Telangana temporarily close due to heavy rain warnings
Heavy Rain Alert Issued in Hyderabad and Surrounding Districts
A heavy rain alert has been issued for Hyderabad and several districts in Telangana, primarily due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that could intensify into a cyclone.
Reason for the Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until August 19-20, with intermittent dry spells afterward. The low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclone, increasing moisture and instability in the region.
Districts Affected
Some districts, including Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, Bhupalapally, Hanmakonda, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jagitial, Sircilla, Siddipet, Medak, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Sangareddy, Adilabad, Asifabad, Mancherial, Jangaon, Vikarabad, Yadadri, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Rangareddy, Mahabubnagar, are forecast to experience heavy to very heavy rains. Hyderabad city is expected to experience moderate rainfall, with a yellow alert issued until August 20.
Red Alert Districts
Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, and some other districts have been issued a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall, with possible rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours on August 18-19.
Precautions Advised
Residents are urged to avoid non-essential travel and plan their movements carefully due to possible waterlogging and road disruptions. Authorities have opened relief centers and increased patrolling in vulnerable areas like Khammam and Mulugu to handle flooding and overflow of rivers. People are advised to stay indoors unless necessary and avoid stepping out during heavy rainfall to prevent accidents and inconvenience. Public information updates and weather alerts should be monitored regularly to stay informed about any change in the weather pattern.
Additional Measures
The Telangana government has ordered the closure of all schools in five districts (Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri) for two days due to a red alert issued by the IMD. The school education department has also declared a half-day holiday on both days for all government and private schools in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area. The Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department has advised IT/ITES companies in Hyderabad and adjoining areas to enable work from home for their employees on August 13 due to predicted heavy rains.
Preparedness and Response
HYDRA and GHMC teams are on standby to respond to the situation. Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has asked all irrigation department officials to be stationed at their duty posts and be vigilant against any mishap due to excessive rain. Rainfall of 10-15 centimetres is expected, and some places may receive up to 20 cm. Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that irrigation officials should keep a careful watch on all irrigation projects, reservoirs, canals, tanks, etc., and inform district authorities immediately if any breach or damage is suspected.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy held a video conference with senior officials and district Collectors to discuss safety measures for heavy rains. An orange alert has been issued to Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri districts, and other districts. Uttam Kumar Reddy's mobile number (7036836869) has been provided for direct communication in case of any alarming situation in any irrigation department assets/water bodies in the state. Revanth Reddy directed officials to take necessary safety measures to avoid loss of life during heavy rains and ensure no vehicle movement on flooded bridges, canals, streams, and causeways.
This article is auto-generated from an agency feed and has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rains, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in various districts of India, including Hyderabad, due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that could intensify into a cyclone.
- A red alert has been issued for Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, and some other districts due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall, with possible rainfall exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours on August 18-19.
- The Telangana government has ordered the closure of all schools in five districts and declared a half-day holiday for all government and private schools in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area due to the red alert issued by the IMD.
- The Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department has advised IT/ITES companies in Hyderabad and adjoining areas to enable work from home for their employees on August 13 due to predicted heavy rains.
