The Telangana government has ordered the closure of all schools in five districts for two days following a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Schools in Hyderabad will operate for half a day, while IT companies have been advised to allow employees to work from home.
Very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast for Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Warangal, and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts on August 13 and 14. The School Education Department has declared holidays for both government and private schools in these districts.
In the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area, all government and private schools will function only in the morning shift on both days.
The Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Department has advised IT/ITES companies in Hyderabad and adjoining areas to enable work-from-home arrangements on August 13. Special Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar said companies should also issue internal advisories regarding safe travel and emergency contact procedures.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has urged residents in low-lying areas to move to safer locations and remain alert. HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath said extremely heavy rainfall is expected between August 13 and 15, with northern Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri district, and the Cyberabad area likely to be the worst affected. Rainfall could reach 10–15 cm, with some locations receiving up to 20 cm. GHMC and HYDRAA teams are on standby.
The IMD has placed Hanumakonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medak, Sangareddy, and Vikarabad districts under red alert. An orange alert has been issued for Hyderabad and nearby Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy chaired a video conference with senior officials and district Collectors from the Command Control Centre on Tuesday evening, directing them to take all necessary precautions to prevent loss of life and to restrict vehicular movement on flooded bridges, canals, and streams in low-lying areas.
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy has instructed irrigation department officials to remain at their duty stations and maintain heightened vigilance. All leave for irrigation officials has been cancelled for the next four days.
“A careful watch is to be kept on all irrigation projects, reservoirs, canals, and tanks. At the first sign of any breach or damage, officials must immediately inform the district Collector, Chief Engineer, and Engineer-in-Chief. The Principal Secretary (Irrigation) and Engineer-in-Chief are to closely monitor the situation in all districts,” he said.
He added that any irrigation official noticing an alarming situation should also inform him directly at mobile number 7036836869.
—IANS