Severe rains and subsequent flooding caused a trail of destruction in both the Telugu states - Andhra Pradesh and Telangana - killing several and causing damage to livelihood and properties.
Published Sep 05, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2024 | 10:07 AM
Paddy fields were flooded as heavy rains triggered by the cyclone lashed Andhra Pradesh. (Supplied)
Relentless rains in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh resulted in numerous deaths. The Budameru River overflowed, submerging 40 percent of Vijayawada. Heavy rains caused extensive damage and widespread devastation across the Telugu states.
According to reports, nearly 6,000 communities in six Telangana districts are facing severe water shortages. Flooding has damaged rural water pipelines, submerged electricity substations, and pump houses, cutting off many villages from clean drinking water.
Khammam
Unprecedented rainfall over the past few days wreaked havoc in Khammam and Kothagudem districts, causing widespread panic. Tanks and streams overflowed, with some tanks breaching the limit. The Munneru stream in Khammam city reached a flood level of 36 feet, the highest since 1984. Areas including Bokkalagadda, Moti Nagar, Damsalapuram, Danavaigudem, Prakash Nagar, and Kalvoddu were inundated, with floodwaters reaching house rooftops.
Mahabubabad
On Tuesday, 3 September, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy visited Mahabubabad district to evaluate the damage from recent heavy rains. The floods claimed at least four lives in the district. Reddy announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of those who died in the rain-related incidents. The district experienced 28 cm of rainfall, resulting in significant water logging and flooding nearly 30,000 acres of agricultural land.
Suryapet
Following heavy rains in Suryapet, a traffic advisory was issued based on reports from the local superintendent of police. The Paleru River overflowed onto the road at Nayakangudem on the Suryapet to Khammam route. Additionally, a bridge collapsed at Ramapuram X Road, beyond Kodad town in Suryapet district.
Mulugu
Due to heavy rains in Mulugu and surrounding areas, authorities issued a travel advisory urging tourists to avoid key attractions. District Collector TS.Divakara advised against visiting popular sites such as Bogatha Waterfalls, Laknavaram Lake and the Sammakka-Saralamma Temple until weather conditions improved.
The trail of destruction caused by Telangana floods. (South First)
Bhadradri Kothagudem
The water level in the Godavari River at Bhadrachalam in Bhadradri Kothagudem exceeded the warning level due to heavy inflows from upstream. The river reached the first warning level of 43 feet, with a discharge of 9,32,288 cusecs.
Kodad
Kodad town and its surrounding areas, heavily impacted by the floods, continued to experience severe disruptions on Tuesday despite the receding water levels in streams and canals. The floods caused significant damage to road infrastructure, leaving residents awaiting repairs. Major damage to roads and bridges made transportation difficult.
Heavy rains in Andhra Pradesh caused severe flooding and extensive damage. Floodwaters damaged infrastructure, homes, and crops, leaving many areas in distress. Reports suggested emergency services are struggling to manage the widespread devastation and ongoing impacts.
Andhra Pradesh floods chaos. (South First)
Vijayawada
Unprecedented rainfall severely disrupted life in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Vijayawada and nearby areas. The capital region experienced its heaviest rainfall in 50 years, transforming the area into a vast, waterlogged expanse and resulting in loss of life. The torrential rains, which began on Saturday, 31 August due to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, intensified by Sunday, with Vijayawada caught between the surging Krishna River and the overflowing Budameru Rivulet.
NTR, Krishna and Palnadu districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for NTR, Krishna and Palnadu districts. The Andhra Pradesh government announced a holiday for schools and colleges in the districts on 4 September due to heavy rainfall.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
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