An estimated 50,000 to one lakh trees were uprooted across 200 hectares in Telangana's Mulugu district due to a gale and cloudburst on August 31.
Trees like neem, banyan, and peepal suffered extensive damage, but no loss of wildlife, including leopards, was reported in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
The weather phenomenon, described as a squall, was unprecedented in Telangana, typically seen in West Bengal and northeastern India, according to experts.
Local IMD officials suggested the event was a localized tornado effect caused by thunderstorms and strong pressure deficiencies.
Most of the uprooted trees were part of plantations, not forests, and were relatively young, around 10 years old, with shallow root systems.
Telangana Panchayat Raj Minister Seethakka has urged Union ministers to bring the incident to the attention of the Prime Minister and request special funds for forest restoration.
A drone survey conducted by forest officials confirmed massive devastation, and further assessment is being done to determine the exact scale of the damage.
The National Remote Sensing Centre and IMD are investigating the incident, with results expected after rainfall subsides and an in-depth report is prepared.
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