Why Did Telangana Cancel Employees’ Leaves as Heavy Rains Approach?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Employee leaves have been canceled due to heavy rain forecasts.
- Residents urged to minimize vehicle movement for safety.
- Red alert issued for multiple districts.
- Emergency teams are on standby to respond to any incidents.
- Continuous monitoring of flood levels is critical.
Hyderabad, Aug 12 (NationPress) As heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated over the next three days in Hyderabad and several districts in Telangana, the state administration has revoked all employee leaves and urged the public to minimize vehicular movement.
The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has recommended that residents in flood-prone areas relocate to safer locations and remain vigilant.
HYDRAA warns that extreme rainfall is expected from August 13 to August 15, with northern Hyderabad, Medchal Malkajgiri district, and the Cyberabad area likely to be the hardest hit. Forecasted rainfall ranges from 10-15 centimeters, with some areas possibly receiving up to 20 centimeters.
HYDRA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath reported that teams from HYDRA and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) are on standby for intervention.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in various districts on August 13 and 14, including a red alert for Hanmakonda, Jangaon, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medak, Sangareddy, and Vikarabad districts.
Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for other districts, encompassing Hyderabad, as well as adjacent Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts.
In response, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy convened a video conference with senior officials and district Collectors from the Command Control Centre.
He instructed officials to implement all necessary safety precautions to avoid loss of life during the severe weather and to restrict vehicle movement on flooded bridges, canals, streams, and causeways in low-lying areas. Special measures will also be taken to safeguard livestock during crossings in districts experiencing high water flow.
Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao has been tasked with appointing senior officers as special coordinators for districts expected to face intense rainfall. All officials and staff have been ordered to cancel their leaves and return to duty immediately.
“We are experiencing significant rainfall due to climate change. It is remarkable that we receive such heavy downpours in a mere 2 hours, equating to what was previously a two-month rainfall,” he stated, emphasizing the need for strategies and disaster management plans to mitigate unexpected damages from sudden cloud bursts.
CM Revanth Reddy has directed state irrigation officials to continuously monitor flood levels in projects, ponds, and other water bodies, and to focus on hydroelectric power generation while regularly notifying residents about water releases in low-lying regions. Precautions must also be taken in advance to prevent breaches at ponds and other water bodies.
The Chief Minister instructed the Police Commissioners of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda to work collaboratively. Specific directives were issued to GHMC, HYDRAA, Police, Fire Services, Disaster Management, and Urban Development and Municipal Administration departments to coordinate rescue operations and manage traffic during the heavy rains.
Additionally, the CM proposed that senior officials from the IT and Education Departments assess the situation and decide on work-from-home policies, as well as announce holidays for educational institutions. He also directed HYDRAA to establish a toll-free number to address public concerns promptly.