Cyclone Montha triggers floods, CM orders immediate response

Nearly 2,000 people were moved to safer places in Warangal and Hanamkonda districts after heavy rains lashed several parts of Telangana on October 29 due to the impact of severe cyclonic storm ‘Montha’, officials said on Thursday.

The continuous downpour flooded several localities and caused severe waterlogging on roads across the tri-cities of Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Kazipet, bringing normal life to a halt.

Relief operations in full swing

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to speed up rescue and relief efforts in the flood-affected areas. He instructed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to immediately deploy State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams along with rescue boats to Warangal.

According to an official release, the Chief Minister also asked authorities to ensure that all stranded people are safely shifted to shelters. He emphasized using the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and its equipment to strengthen relief operations.

The Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) stated that Disaster Response Force (DRF) personnel swiftly relocated residents from low-lying areas.

“#Floodshelter homes arranged in 9 places in Warangal and 4 places in Hanamkonda to accommodate people from flood-prone areas. GWMC sanitation staff and DRF teams have shifted almost 2,000 people to shelter homes,” the GWMC said in a post on X.

Flooded homes and damaged vehicles

Residents of low-lying colonies said that floodwater had entered their houses and requested officials to build protective sidewalls along drainage channels (nalas) to prevent future flooding. Television visuals showed several vehicles, including cars, submerged in water-filled streets and colonies.

Heavy rainfall also hit other parts of Telangana, including Mahabubabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nalgonda, and Siddipet districts, leading to severe waterlogging and traffic disruption.

Tragically, one person died and another went missing after being swept away in separate rain-related incidents in Suryapet and Khammam districts on Wednesday, officials said.

CM’s drone relief plan

During a video conference with district collectors and senior officials from cyclone-affected areas, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said that immediate steps must be taken to protect stranded families. He suggested that food and drinking water be delivered by drones to people trapped on rooftops due to flooding.

Situation in Khammam

In Khammam district, residents of Khanapuram Haveli and Dhamsalapuram colonies were evacuated to rehabilitation centers after water levels in the Munneru river rose sharply on Thursday. Vehicular movement on the Khammam-Bonakal road was halted as overflowing water made the road unsafe, police said.

Weather forecast

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted light to moderate rains or thundershowers in several parts of Telangana till October 31 morning. It also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) in isolated districts including Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, and Mulugu.

Officials continue to monitor the situation as rescue teams work round the clock to ensure public safety. Relief camps remain open across the flood-hit districts, with authorities providing food, medical aid, and temporary shelter to those affected.