Andhra, Telangana Rains: 27 Dead, NDRF Deploys 26 Rescue Teams

Heavy rains have affected several districts in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, causing the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated locations on September 2.

The heavy rainfalls have resulted in at least 27 deaths and over 140 trains canceled across both states due to rain-related incidents, leading to severe flooding and trouble for travelers. Due to the natural disaster, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 26 teams for the rescue operations.

Telangana Railways:

The South-Central Railway (SCR) network has been particularly impacted, with 99 trains canceled and 54 diverted due to waterlogged tracks, according to an SCR official.

In Telangana, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy reported that nine people have lost their lives in various rain-related incidents despite precautionary measures.

The Telangana state's capital, Hyderabad, underwent extensive waterlogging, provoking the administration to close all schools on September 2. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy convened an emergency review meeting to address the situation.

Relief Measures in Telangana:

The Telangana government has intensified relief efforts following the severe rains that resulted in nine deaths and the inundation of low-lying areas. 

Affected individuals have been moved to relief camps and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has held discussions with officials on further measures to provide assistance.

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Visits Affected Areas :

In Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited flood-affected areas around Vijayawada late into the night and remained on-site until around 3 a.m. The Krishna River's flooding has continued for the third consecutive day.

Andhra Pradesh has evacuated 17,000 people to 107 relief camps, with over 1.1 lakh hectares of agricultural fields and 7,360 hectares of horticultural fields damaged. 

Andhra Pradesh Railways:

Vijayawada and Guntur cities are reported to be completely submerged. Earlier 15 trains were canceled in addition to that, 21 more trains have been canceled, and 10 diverted, as noted by a South-Central Railway official.

The IMD has forecast a decrease in rainfall intensity from September 2, with a yellow alert issued for six districts in Telangana and thunderstorms with lightning expected in other areas.

Federal Response:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have reached out to the chief ministers of both states, assuring full support from the Union government. The NDRF has deployed 26 teams for relief and rescue operations, with an additional 14 teams being dispatched to assist in the affected regions.