The state of Telangana is on high alert as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed authorities to prepare for a possible extreme weather situation. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the region is expected to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 72 hours, with some areas at risk of flash floods. The warning covers the capital city Hyderabad as well as several other districts, triggering emergency measures across government departments.
IMD Forecast and Weather Threat
The IMD has warned of intense rain bands developing over Telangana, which may lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions, overflowing drains, and possible damage to low-lying settlements. Hyderabad, being prone to urban flooding due to its rapid urbanisation and limited drainage capacity, is expected to face the brunt of the downpour. Other districts may experience swollen rivers, breaches in small dams, and crop damage due to continuous rain.
Meteorologists have also pointed out the possibility of thunderstorm activity accompanying the rain, which could bring strong gusty winds, lightning strikes, and reduced visibility—further complicating travel and public safety.
Government Response: Statewide High Alert
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has taken a hands-on approach to the situation. All district administrations have been instructed to operate in 24×7 emergency mode until the weather threat passes. To ensure uninterrupted response capability, all government officials’ leaves have been cancelled. From top-level bureaucrats to local field officers, everyone is expected to remain available round-the-clock.
As part of the readiness plan, helicopters have been kept on standby to conduct rescue missions, airlift stranded individuals, and deliver relief materials if required.
IT Sector Urged to Switch to Work-from-Home
In a significant move aimed at reducing congestion on Hyderabad’s already burdened roads during the rain spell, the Chief Minister has appealed to IT companies to allow their employees to work from home for at least the next three days. This measure is intended not only to ease traffic but also to reduce the risk of accidents and exposure to flooded streets.
Given that Hyderabad is home to one of India’s largest IT hubs, with thousands of employees commuting daily, such a directive could significantly cut down vehicular movement, freeing up roads for emergency services and reducing the strain on the city’s drainage systems.
Schools Implement Half-Day Schedule
As part of the safety measures, schools in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits will operate on a half-day schedule for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday has already been declared a public holiday on account of Independence Day. The aim is to limit children’s exposure to severe weather while ensuring that education continues where possible.
Parents have been advised to arrange safe transport for their children and to keep them indoors during periods of heavy rain.
Strengthening Flood Preparedness
The state’s irrigation authorities have been tasked with maintaining constant surveillance over reservoirs, dams, spillways, and canals. Any sign of overflow or excess inflow must be addressed immediately, with alerts issued to people living downstream or in flood-prone zones.
These agencies are working closely with Disaster Management teams to monitor real-time rainfall data, water levels, and drainage flow. Local authorities are prepared to use public address systems, mobile alerts, and door-to-door notifications if evacuation orders become necessary.
The Hyderabad Rain and Flood Alert Authority (HYDRAA) has activated its toll-free helpline numbers for public use. Citizens are encouraged to report waterlogging, fallen trees, damaged power lines, or any urgent rescue needs.
Public Safety Advisories
The government has issued a set of dos and don’ts for the public during this period:
- Avoid waterlogged routes and seek alternate paths.
- Never attempt to cross flooded roads or causeways, whether on foot or in a vehicle.
- Refrain from venturing outdoors unless absolutely necessary.
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy, including the local disaster control room and police.
- Stock essential supplies like drinking water, dry food, medicines, and flashlights.
These advisories aim to minimise accidents, prevent electrocution risks, and reduce the need for rescue interventions.
CM’s On-Ground Review of Flood-Prone Areas
On August 10, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally visited some of Hyderabad’s known flood hotspots, including Ameerpet’s Maitrivanam area, Buddha Nagar, and Gangubhai Basti. He interacted with residents, listened to their concerns, and assessed ongoing relief efforts.
In these interactions, the CM was clear that short-term fixes would not be enough. He has instructed officials to design permanent solutions to address chronic waterlogging, including widening storm drains, clearing encroachments from water channels, and ensuring proper gradient flow in new road projects.
Long-Term Urban Resilience Plan
Beyond immediate crisis management, Revanth Reddy has announced the formulation of a 100-year comprehensive infrastructure plan for Greater Hyderabad. This ambitious roadmap aims to make the city resilient against recurring monsoon challenges.
The plan will focus on:
- Clearing Blockages in Stormwater Drains – Regular desilting and anti-encroachment measures will be enforced.
- Enhancing Traffic and Water Supply Systems – Integrated management to ensure minimal disruption during floods.
- Rejuvenation of the Musi River – Restoring its flow and connecting it to key water bodies like Hussain Sagar and Durgam Cheruvu via upgraded drainage networks.
- Wastewater Treatment and Reuse – Ensuring all sewage is treated before being discharged, with treated water diverted for industrial use instead of fresh sources.
These structural upgrades, if implemented diligently, could transform Hyderabad’s ability to cope with intense rainfall events in the decades to come.
Citizens’ Role in Weather Emergencies
While the government machinery is on high alert, officials have stressed that public cooperation is equally critical. Simple actions like avoiding littering in drains, reporting early signs of flooding, and checking on elderly neighbours can make a significant difference during crisis situations.
Social media is also being used as a real-time communication channel, with district administrations posting updates, advisories, and relief announcements on official platforms. Residents are urged to rely on verified sources rather than unconfirmed rumours that may cause panic.
Broader Climate Context
Experts point out that incidents of extreme rainfall are becoming more frequent in Telangana due to shifting monsoon patterns influenced by climate change. Urban areas like Hyderabad, with high levels of concretisation and reduced green spaces, are particularly vulnerable.
This latest alert serves as yet another reminder that sustainable urban planning, strict enforcement of environmental norms, and citizen awareness are essential to reducing flood risks.
What This Means for the Next 72 Hours
For now, the focus remains on:
- Continuous Monitoring – Weather patterns, reservoir levels, and urban flood hotspots will be under constant watch.
- Emergency Readiness – Rescue teams, medical aid units, and relief camps are prepared to respond within minutes of distress calls.
- Public Safety – All non-essential travel is discouraged, with emphasis on work-from-home and school schedule adjustments.
Conclusion
The coming days will test Telangana’s disaster preparedness and resilience. While the IMD’s forecasts have triggered widespread caution, the swift and comprehensive response from the Chief Minister’s office signals a proactive approach.
By combining immediate action with long-term infrastructure goals, the state government aims not only to handle the current spell of heavy rain but also to safeguard its citizens from similar threats in the future.
For residents, this is a time for vigilance, patience, and cooperation—values that will help the state weather the storm, both literally and figuratively.
