Hyderabad: The flood situation in Telangana’s Kamareddy and Medak districts worsened on Thursday as torrential rains continued to pound the region, submerging residential areas, disrupting traffic, and forcing the closure of schools. Several colonies in Kamareddy town were inundated after lakes, ponds, and streams overflowed, cutting off road and rail connectivity. Drone visuals revealed entire stretches of Kamareddy town under water. Authorities announced holidays for schools and colleges in Kamareddy, Medak, Adilabad, Karimnagar, and Jagtial districts, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kamareddy, Medak, Siddipet, Nizamabad, and Nirmal districts.
The Manjira and Manair rivers, along with several smaller tributaries, have been flowing at dangerously high levels, with massive inflows into the Mid Manair dam. Rajampet in Kamareddy district recorded an unprecedented 44.05 cm rainfall in just 24 hours, while Medak’s Havelighanpur received 31.6 cm and Nirmal Rural 32.53 cm. More than 70 locations across Telangana registered rainfall exceeding 20 cm. The Pocharam reservoir in Medak district, built 103 years ago, successfully withstood a historic flood inflow of 1,82,000 cusecs—more than double its designed maximum capacity. Authorities, however, have warned of further flooding as rains show no sign of abating.
Rescue operations are underway with support from the Army, NDRF, and SDRF, as reports indicate dozens of people remain trapped in Kamareddy and Sircilla. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar spoke with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who ordered the immediate deployment of an IAF helicopter from Hakimpet Air Force Station to assist in evacuations. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the affected districts, while Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao held an emergency review meeting with district Collectors, Disaster Management officials, and Fire Services. The government has urged citizens in vulnerable areas to remain cautious as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
