Red alert issued in Telangana as depression triggers heavy rainfall across the state

HYDERABAD: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Telangana, with forecasts of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across multiple districts over the next five days.

This significant weather event is due to a depression that has moved inland over south Odisha and adjoining north Andhra Pradesh, bringing with it the potential for severe weather conditions.

The depression, as of 5:30 AM IST on 1st September 2024, was centred over south Odisha and adjacent north Andhra Pradesh at latitude 18.5°N and longitude 83.0°E. It was located approximately 90 km north-northwest of Visakhapatnam, 120 km west of Kalingapatnam, and 380 km east of Ramagundam in Telangana. Moving west-northwestwards at a speed of 15 kmph, the depression is expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area as it continues its journey across South Odisha and South Chhattisgarh.

The IMD has predicted that the districts of Adilabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, Jogulamba Gadwal, Mahbubabad, and Jangaon are likely to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places. This could result in significant water accumulation in low-lying areas, posing a risk of flooding and disruption to daily life.

Districts including Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jagitial, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Vikarabad are also expected to see heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few locations. Other districts such as Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Siddipet, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri, and Medak are forecasted to experience heavy rain at isolated places.

In Hyderabad, the IMD has forecasted generally cloudy skies with moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40-50 kmph. The city is expected to see water pooling on roads, particularly in low-lying areas, leading to potential traffic disruptions. Authorities have advised residents to restrict movement and remain indoors as much as possible during this period of intense rainfall.

The IMD has recommended several precautionary measures to mitigate the impact of the heavy rains. Local authorities have been urged to issue necessary advisories, including warnings for traffic regulation, especially in flood-prone areas. The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and response forces are on high alert, prepared to take necessary action as the situation develops.

Flash flood guidance indicates a moderate to high risk over watersheds in districts such as Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Jagitial, Sircilla, Peddapalle, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Yadadri, Warangal, Siddipet, and Jangaon. Low to moderate risks are also expected in areas like Ranga Reddy, Hyderabad, Medchal, Vikarabad, and Sangareddy, where fully saturated soils and low-lying regions may experience surface runoff and inundation.

The depression is part of a broader monsoon trough that extends across various parts of India, contributing to widespread rainfall. This trough passes through key locations such as Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Betul, Bramhapuri, Jagdalpur, and the centre of the depression over south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh, stretching southeastwards to the west-central Bay of Bengal.

Residents across Telangana have been advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and heed official warnings.