The devastating impact of relentless rainfall and severe flooding in Telangana has led to a tragic rise in the death toll to 26 as of Tuesday. Over the past few days, the torrential rains have inundated 117 villages, affecting approximately 67,000 residents and damaging more than 5,800 homes.
The casualties are widespread, with five reported deaths in Khammam, four in Kamareddy, and three each in Mahabubabad and Bhadradri Kothagudem. Two fatalities have been recorded in Mulugu, Narayanpet, and Siddipet districts. The state’s Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, confirmed on Monday that 16 deaths had occurred during the current bout of rains and floods. In response to the calamity, the government has escalated its relief operations, but the situation remains critical. Overflowing lakes, tanks, and streams continue to pose severe risks, with significant structural damage reported. Notably, the Edupayala Durgamma temple in Medak’s Nagasanpalli village has been submerged by floodwaters from the Manjira river, and an old bridge at Ramadugu in Karimnagar collapsed under the flood’s force.
Khammam district has been particularly hard hit, with residents grappling with extensive muck and debris left by the Munneru Vagu flood. Areas such as Bokkalaguda, Prakash Nagar, and Venkateshwara Nagar within the Khammam municipal limits, along with Jalagam Nagar and Pedda Thanda, have experienced severe flash floods. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, stationed in Khammam, reported that of the 67,000 affected individuals, 49,000 are from the erstwhile Khammam district, with 10,538 relocated to 133 relief camps. Meanwhile, IT Minister Sridhar Babu, based in Nirmal, highlighted the situation at the Penganga river and noted that coordination with Maharashtra officials is underway. The state has mobilised five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and one from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rescue efforts.
The Telangana government has requested over ₹5,000 crore in financial assistance from the central government. A detailed damage report will be submitted shortly, prompting a central team visit for assessment. BJP leaders have called for immediate central aid, while NGOs, political parties, and individuals are actively contributing to relief efforts by supplying essentials such as food and water.
