NAVEENA GHANATE
Hyderabad
Rains continued to lash many areas of Telangana for the third consecutive day on Thursday, inundating low-lying areas and throwing normal life out of gear.
The continuous rains led to lakes, tanks and streams overflowing in some districts, snapping road communications in some places.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of more rains, the authorities have sounded an alert.
The TSDPS said that by 9 pm Gundi in Karimnagar received 154 mm of rain, Vikarabad 130 mm, Moinabad 119 mm, Chevella 118.5 mm, East Anand Bagh 112 mm, Chandanvally and Miyapur 107 mm. In GHMC limits, Malkajgiri, Chandanagar and Kapra received 100 mm rain by 8:30 pm. The city as a whole received 50 mm to 100 mm rain on Thursday.
The authorities alerted people living in low-lying areas. The heavy downpour and flooding of roads disrupted traffic in Hyderabad. In view of the rains, the government declared a holiday for all educational institutions for two days across the state.
The CM directed the CS to declare a two-day holiday (Friday & Saturday) for all government offices and educational institutions in GHMC limits. The CM ordered the Labour Department to ensure that all private companies in GHMC limits also announced holidays for their offices.A GO was issued saying that emergency services like medical services, milk supply etc will continue uninterrupted. GHMC Commissioner Ronald Rose said that 426 Monsoon Emergency Teams and 157 Static Teams have been set up in Greater Hyderabad and personnel have been sent to 339 water logging points in the city. He said that water levels in 185 ponds and lakes of the city are being reviewed from time to time.
In case of any emergency regarding power supply, the special control room at TSSPDCL can be contacted at 7382071574, 7382072106 and 7382072104. FOC numbers are 1912 or 100. GHMC residents have been asked to stay indoors and dial the control room on 040–21111111 for any rain-related issues and assistance.
A 24×7 State Level Command and Control Centre has been established to enhance accessibility and availability of medical services. It is reachable on phone number 040–24651119.
The rains have also hit coal production in the mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahbubabad and other districts.
Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari held a meeting with top officials in Hyderabad to review the situation. She directed officials to ensure that all measures are taken to prevent loss of life. Heavy rain is expected in the combined Medak, Adilabad, Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts. Similarly, there will be moderate rain in southern Telangana districts, she said.
The CS said that NDRF teams have been deployed in Warangal, Mulugu and Kothagudem to help in case of emergency and a 40-member team is ready in Hyderabad.
Education Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy declared two days of holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday at around 8am. The holidays will be in effect from July 20 and July 21. Later on Thursday evening according to the instructions of Chief Minister a GO is realeased that educational institutions within GHMC limits will be closed on July 22 also.
The announcement was made by Sabitha Indra Reddy through her Twitter account. However, most of the students coming from distant places had started for their schools in the morning as Sabitha announced the holiday only after 8 am.
