Nearly 1,200 evacuated as torrential rains cripple life in Warangal and Hanamkonda

Incessant rains under the influence of Cyclone Montha have severely affected Warangal and Hanamkonda, leaving several localities inundated and disrupting traffic across major roads.

Warangal Mayor Gundu Sudharani said around 45 localities under the Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) limits were flooded, prompting the administration to initiate large-scale evacuation and rehabilitation measures. Seven special teams comprising Disaster Response Force (DRF), engineering, and sanitation wing staff have been deployed to carry out rescue operations.

The Mayor said that about 1,200 people have been safely evacuated from low-lying areas and shifted to rehabilitation centres. 12 centres have been set up across the city to accommodate those displaced by flooding. “Our teams are on the ground to ensure the safety of all residents in waterlogged areas,” she said.

Nearly 30 colonies in Warangal and 15 colonies in Hanamkonda have been submerged, with severe waterlogging reported in Santoshi Matha Colony, DK Nagar, NN Nagar, Maisaiah Nagar, Sammaiah Nagar, and Sai Ganesh Colony. Residents have been facing hardships as floodwaters entered their homes.

Vehicular movement between Warangal and Hanamkonda came to a halt after Bondhi Vagu on Hunter Road overflowed, while traffic on Mulugu Road was disrupted due to rising water levels. Police and DRF personnel are using ropes and earth movers to rescue stranded residents in Ramakrishna and Revenue colonies.

Meanwhile, the overflowing Bhadrakali tank caused flooding from the temple stretch up to Polytechnic College. Small tanks such as Chinna Waddapalli and Katta Mallanna also overflowed, worsening the situation.

Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) Chairman and Managing Director Karnati Varun Reddy inspected power restoration efforts in rain-hit areas, including Naimnagar. “Breakdown teams are working round the clock in the affected zones to maintain power supply. Citizens can report any electricity-related issues by dialling 1912,” he said.