The India Meteorological Department has forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon by the end of May – its earliest arrival in more than 16 years.
Published May 22, 2025 | 8:59 PM ⚊ Updated May 22, 2025 | 8:59 PM
The move follows the delayed emergency response during the August–September 2024 monsoon season, when teams had to be mobilised from Vijayawada.
Synopsis: With the southwest monsoon expected to arrive early, the Telangana government has launched a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan, deploying multiple disaster response forces and implementing a detailed flood management protocol. New teams have been set up across the state to ensure a rapid response to any crisis, following delays during last year’s floods. Officials have also been instructed to protect stored crops and prevent waterlogging and power outages in vulnerable areas.
The Telangana government has launched a series of flood and emergency preparedness measures in anticipation of heavy rainfall due to the earlier-than-expected arrival of the southwest monsoon later this month, especially in light of the flash floods that impacted the state last year.
In a memorandum dated 21 May, the Revenue (Disaster Management) Department outlined a multi-agency response plan.
This includes the deployment of the Telangana Special Police (TSP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with the implementation of a flood management protocol to ensure efficient handling of emergencies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the onset of the southwest monsoon by the end of May – its earliest arrival in more than 16 years.
The monsoon is expected to bring above-normal rainfall across the country, with cumulative precipitation likely to exceed 104 percent of the Long Period Average (LPA).
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to ensure the protection of paddy stored at procurement centres and market yards, directing that the produce be safeguarded from rain damage.
He also asked Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao to regularly monitor the situation and directed municipal authorities to prevent waterlogging, traffic congestion, and power disruptions in flood-prone areas.
The state has formed 10 new SDRF teams, comprising 100 personnel drawn from the Telangana Special Police.
These teams will function alongside 12 additional units set up by the Telangana state police. According to officials, the aim is to ensure that emergency teams can reach any district within an hour of receiving alerts.
The move follows the delayed emergency response during the August–September 2024 monsoon season, when teams had to be mobilised from Vijayawada.
The state government has since taken steps to strengthen local capacity to act within the ‘golden hour’ of a disaster.
Three NDRF units are now stationed in Telangana and will operate exclusively within the state.
The government has also requested additional NDRF teams during the monsoon season, particularly for districts identified as vulnerable.
District fire stations have been equipped with necessary flood-response tools, and personnel have been trained to function as auxiliary SDRF teams.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HYDRAA) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are also preparing – training staff and amassing resources for monsoon relief operations.
The state’s flood management protocol outlines clear procedures to be followed in the event of heavy rainfall, flash floods, or other emergencies.
Under the protocol, District Collectors must first contact the SDRF units and the respective District Fire Officer (DFO). The SDRF and fire department will then coordinate the immediate response.
If the situation demands further assistance, the Collector is to approach the Disaster Management Department to deploy NDRF resources.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
