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The state of Telangana is grappling with heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, prompting a swift response from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. As moderate to heavy showers lashed parts of the state on Saturday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas and disrupting road connectivity in certain regions, Reddy issued a directive for government officials to be on high alert and implement preventive measures to mitigate the potential for further damage and loss of life.
In a meeting convened with Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, Reddy emphasized the urgency of proactive measures. He instructed officials from key departments including Revenue, Municipal, Electricity, and Health to remain vigilant and respond promptly to any developing situation. The Chief Minister specifically stressed the critical need to relocate residents from flood-prone areas to designated relief camps, underscoring the importance of preemptive action in safeguarding lives.
The rising water levels in reservoirs, with the release of water from dams, added another layer of complexity to the situation. In response, officials were tasked with coordinating the evacuation of individuals residing in areas vulnerable to flooding, ensuring their safe relocation to secure locations. To ensure a coordinated and effective response, a teleconference was held under the direction of Chief Secretary Kumari and Director General of Police (DGP) Jitender. This meeting brought together District Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Police Commissioners, and Municipal Commissioners from across Telangana, fostering communication and collaboration.
The teleconference highlighted the crucial need for continuous monitoring of the situation on the ground, empowering officials to take timely and decisive action. Underscoring the gravity of the situation, Chief Secretary Kumari emphasized the importance of implementing all necessary precautions to prevent any loss of life or property damage, aligning with the Meteorological Department's warning of heavy rainfall across Telangana for the next two days.
To streamline the response efforts, Kumari instructed the establishment of control rooms in every district collector's office, as well as within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the state secretariat. These control rooms are intended to serve as central hubs for coordinating information and directing resources. Recognizing the potential disruption to educational activities, District Collectors were granted the authority to declare school holidays if deemed necessary due to the ongoing rain. The proactive approach extended to preparing advance plans for the swift evacuation of residents from flood-affected areas and establishing well-equipped relief camps to accommodate those displaced by the floods.
Source: Amid Telangana flood threat, Revanth Reddy asks officials to be on high alert