Telangana Braces for Deluge: IMD Issues Orange Alert as Heavy Rains Lash State

Telangana is bracing for an intense spell of monsoon fury as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe Orange Alert for the state, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across numerous districts, with Hyderabad squarely in the crosshairs of this impending downpour. Residents are urged to prepare for significant weather disruptions as the skies are expected to unleash their full might.

The IMD's latest bulletin warns of isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across Telangana on September 27th and 28th, prompting the 'Orange Alert' which signifies a high level of preparedness is needed.

While Hyderabad is specifically under a general rainfall alert, districts such as Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Jangaon, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medchal Malkajgiri, Ranga Reddy, and Sangareddy are all under a 'Yellow Alert' for isolated heavy rainfall, indicating widespread impact across the region.

Hyderabad has already witnessed significant rainfall recently, with areas like Quthbullapur recording a staggering 11.2 cm of precipitation, underscoring the immediate threat posed by further downpours.

In response to the IMD’s grave predictions, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner, Ronald Rose, has mandated all officials to remain on high alert. A comprehensive review meeting, attended by Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, reinforced the urgency of the situation, outlining critical preventive and relief measures.

The GHMC has activated its robust action plan, focusing on critical areas such as the rapid clearing of water stagnation points, ensuring the unimpeded flow of water in drains and culverts, and meticulously monitoring dilapidated buildings for any signs of structural compromise.

Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams have been strategically deployed across the city, poised to respond swiftly to any emergencies, from fallen trees to waterlogging and rescue operations.

Citizens are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution. Key advisories include: avoiding stepping out unless absolutely necessary, especially after dark; refraining from seeking shelter under trees or weak structures; staying clear of low-lying and waterlogged areas; and under no circumstances touching electrical poles or wires.

In case of any emergency, residents are encouraged to contact the GHMC helpline at 040-21111111 or 040-23225397 for immediate assistance.

The meteorological department attributes these intense weather conditions to a cyclonic circulation currently positioned over the Bay of Bengal, which is significantly influencing weather patterns across the Indian subcontinent.

This system is expected to continue funneling moisture-laden winds over the peninsular region, sustaining the potential for heavy rainfall.

Beyond Telangana, the IMD has also issued weather alerts for several other states. Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are all expected to experience varying degrees of rainfall, from light to moderate, with isolated heavy showers in some pockets.

The Northeastern states are also anticipating significant rainfall activity, signaling a widespread active monsoon phase across the country.