What caused devastating floods in Khammam?

Heavy rainfall has caused havoc in Telangana, and Khammam district is facing severe flooding in three decades. The downpour has submerged over 100 villages, cancelled 99 trains, and disrupted transportation and industrial activities statewide.

In Khammam, the Munneru stream, a Krishna River tributary, overflowed, worsening the flooding crisis. The waters have inundated Rajiv Grihakalpa Colony, Venkateswara Nagar, Ganeshnagar, and Danawaigudem. Unauthorized constructions near the river have impeded the natural water flow. Residents have criticized these encroachments for blocking the river's course and causing extensive damage.

“The floods have been catastrophic, and unauthorized constructions have worsened the situation,” said a resident from Khammam. Many people have evacuated their homes and sought refuge on rooftops.

In Rajiv Grihakalpa Colony, a family including a woman, an elderly relative, and children is trapped in their apartment, calling for rescue. Meanwhile, Venkateswara Nagar residents have climbed onto their rooftops to escape the rising waters.

మంత్రి పొంగులేటికి తృటిలో తప్పిన ప్రమాదం

ఖమ్మం: మున్నేరు పరివాహక ప్రాంతంలోని నీట మునిగిన నాయుడుపేట, జలగంనగర్, దానవాయిగూడెంలోని కాలనీలను పరిశీలించిన మంత్రి పొంగులేటి.

బైక్‌పై తిరుగుతూ.. ప్రమాదవశాత్తూ కిందపడిన మంత్రి..
శ్రీనివాసరెడ్డికి స్వల్ప గాయాలు.#HeavyRains #Khammam… pic.twitter.com/1fWvIco08p

— BIG TV Breaking News (@bigtvtelugu) September 2, 2024

Industrial operations are disrupted, halting coal production in Singareni. The Godavari River at Bhadrachalam has risen above 32 feet, leading officials to release 48,000 cusecs of floodwater from the Taaliperu reservoir. “We are trying to manage, but the disaster is overwhelming,” said a spokesperson from the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGNPDCL).

The company faces power supply issues with submerged transformers and affected feeders. TGNPDCL deployed extra field staff to restore power, while TGSPDCL canceled staff leaves for continuous monitoring and repair of power lines.

The floodwaters have catastrophically impacted agriculture, damaging paddy and cotton crops in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts. Local officials report damage to crops on about 2,982 acres, exacerbating the region’s economic distress.

The floods have devastated agriculture, damaging paddy and cotton crops across thousands of acres in Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts. “The damage to crops is severe, and many farmers are facing enormous losses,” said an agriculture official.

As many as 677 persons were rescued & evacuated to safer locations by @TelanganaFire

Most rescue calls were from Mahabubabad, Khammam & Suryapet#TelanganaRains #Telangana @XpressHyderabad @NewIndianXpress @Kalyan_TNIE pic.twitter.com/1l4SoeUmVK

— Swethavimala M (@swethavimala_m) September 1, 2024

#Khammam Floods in Khammam #Khavirajnagar #PSRRoad etc., pic.twitter.com/Miz30uEouy

— MaverickCM 🚲 (@RCKotapati) September 1, 2024

Rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters deployed for evacuations, but poor weather has hindered efforts. In a tragic incident, floodwaters swept away five people, with the bodies of three recovered. “We have requested the Navy and Air Force to send helicopters, but bad weather is delaying their arrival,” said Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy. “We are doing our utmost to rescue those trapped and assist affected communities.”

The Khammam-Hyderabad highway is closed due to flooding, stranding thousands of vehicles and disrupting transportation. Residents urgently appeal for government assistance and relocation. In Prakashnagar, locals are frustrated over the lack of support despite three ministers’ presence.

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