A weakened Cyclone Montha, which moved away towards Vidarbha, has left widespread devastation in its wake in several districts of Telangana due to floods caused by heavy rain. Many localities were flooded, road and rail traffic were brought to a standstill due to inundation, and crops also suffered widespread damage, particularly in Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda districts. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was unable to go for an aerial inspection of the flood-affected areas on Thursday due to inclement weather.
Heavy rains in the aftermath of Cyclone Montha wreaked havoc in the districts of Warangal, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Nalgonda, Khammam, and other districts. Authorities used drones to provide food and water to those trapped. Boats were deployed to move the residents to safer areas. The three towns—Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Kazipet—were badly flooded following heavy rains within a short duration.
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Bheemadevarapalle in Hanamkonda recorded the highest rainfall of 41.9 cm yesterday. The Hunter Road connecting Hanamkonda with Warangal was completely flooded. Traffic on Warangal and Mulugu was badly affected. The Hanamkonda bus station was also underwater. With 45 localities flooded, authorities evacuated 1200 people in Warangal. Chief Minister Reddy ordered the deployment of HYDRA personnel in Warangal for rescue operations after a review meeting with collectors of flood-affected districts. He also asked ministers to stay in their districts to monitor relief operations.
There was also widespread damage to both harvested crops and those in the fields. According to the agriculture department, crops on 4,47,864 acres of the state were damaged in the rains. A total of 2,53,033 farmers suffered losses in 179 mandals spread over 12 districts.
Heavy rain also triggered a flash flood in the Saidapur mandal of Karimpur district. Khammam suffered flooding as the Munneru River overflowed after heavy rains. Vehicles were stranded on the Khammam-Bonakal road. Cars were swept away, and 100 people had to be shifted to safer places.
