Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Oct 30: Severe flooding gripped Warangal and Hanamkonda on Thursday after relentless downpours triggered by Cyclone Montha, which has now weakened into a deep depression over coastal Andhra Pradesh and adjoining Telangana.
Heavy rains battered multiple districts, including Warangal, Karimnagar, Siddipet, Nalgonda, and Khammam, leading to large-scale inundation, traffic disruptions, and extensive crop damage.
Bheemdevarapalle in Hanamkonda district recorded an unprecedented 41.9 cm rainfall on Wednesday, the highest in the state. According to the Telangana Development Planning Society, 35 locations reported extremely heavy rainfall above 20.5 cm, while 68 others recorded over 11.5 cm.
The incessant rain left many parts of Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Kazipet under water. Hunter Road, a key link between Warangal and Hanamkonda, was submerged as the Bondhi stream overflowed, bringing traffic to a complete standstill. Flooding also disrupted movement on the Warangal–Mulugu road, while the overflowing Bhadrakali lake inundated surrounding colonies and cut off access to the Bhadrakali temple.
Warangal Mayor Gundu Sudharani said nearly 45 localities under the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) limits were flooded. About 1,200 residents from low-lying areas were rescued and relocated to rehabilitation centres.
Rescue operations were carried out by seven teams comprising members of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), engineering, and sanitation departments. Boats and drones were deployed to evacuate stranded residents and deliver essential supplies, including food and drinking water.
Overflowing tanks and streams further worsened the situation. The Hanamkonda bus station was submerged, and a RTC bus was trapped in floodwaters at Upperpalli village in Warangal district. Fortunately, all passengers managed to escape safely.
Endowments and Forests Minister Konda Surekha visited the affected areas, interacting with trapped residents and assuring them of government support. MP Kadiyam Kaviya and Warangal Collector Satya Sharada also reviewed the flood-hit zones.
In Karimnagar district, flash floods in Saidapur mandal caused a canal breach at Venkapalli, cutting off several villages. Meanwhile, Khammam town witnessed severe flooding as the Munneru River overflowed, inundating nearby colonies and washing away several vehicles. Around 100 families were moved to relief camps.
With the Munneru River water level reaching 24.7 feet, officials issued a third flood warning. Heavy inflows from upstream continue to raise the river level, submerging the Khammam–Bonakal road and halting vehicular movement.
Authorities remain on high alert as more rain is forecast, intensifying the ongoing flood crisis in Telangana’s northern districts.