Cyclone Montha: Warangal Collector Satya Sharada says precautionary measures taken in advance as heavy rains lash Telangana

Warangal district Collector Dr Satya Sharada, on Thursday, said that the administration had anticipated the impact of Cyclone Montha and implemented precautionary measures in advance to ensure public safety. "In the entire Warangal district, the average rainfall was around 29 centimetres. We had anticipated the situation and started precautionary measures almost two days ago. Holidays were declared for all markets and schools. All patients, as well as pregnant women nearing their due dates, were shifted to safe places," Dr Satya Sharada told ANI.

She added, "People living in low-lying areas were also moved to shelter zones by yesterday evening. Our main concern right now is to address any health issues in waterlogged areas and ensure the continuous supply of food." Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha brought heavy rainfall to Telangana's Warangal district and several parts of Hyderabad, causing traffic congestion in areas such as Habsiguda.

In view of the heavy rains, the Bhadradri Kothagudem District Collector announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including government, aided, and privately managed schools, on Wednesday. The Collector also urged residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions amid the ongoing cyclone conditions. According to the Telangana Department of Information and Public Relations (I&PR), the state recorded 15.4 mm of cumulative average rainfall till 1 pm on Wednesday following the landfall of Cyclone Montha. Warangal district (77.8 mm) recorded the highest cumulative rainfall, followed by Mahabubabad (73.3 mm), Jangaon (51.5 mm), Yadadri Bhuvanagiri (41.2 mm), Hanumakonda (35.8 mm), and Khammam (27.1 mm).

The lowest cumulative rainfall was recorded in Mulugu (4.5 mm), followed by Jayashankar (4.8 mm), Karimnagar (5.4 mm), Hyderabad (14.8 mm), Siddipet (14.0 mm), Rangareddy (13.4 mm), and Medchal-Malkajgiri (12.9 mm). Additionally, Andhra Pradesh is also witnessing the impact of Cyclone Montha. Vehicular movement between Araku and Visakhapatnam has been halted due to heavy waterlogging on the Araku Ghat road.

Paderu DSP Ahmad said, "All regular buses, private vehicles, and tourist vehicles have been prohibited from using the route until the water is fully cleared and the road conditions are thoroughly inspected." He also cautioned tourists against visiting Araku under the current circumstances. (ANI)