Telangana and Andhra rain update: Schools and colleges closed, NTR and Krishna districts on orange alert

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Telangana, warning of heavy rainfall in Jayashankar Bhupalapalle, Komaram Bheem, Mancherial and Mulugu districts on September 4.

With torrential rains expected until 7 September, schools in the affected areas have been declared closed. Local authorities are closely monitoring the situation as they prepare for further rain and possible disruptions.

A similar situation is developing in Andhra Pradesh, with an orange alert issued for NTR and Krishna districts, prompting the state government to shut down educational institutions in NTR district.

An “Orange Alert” serves as a warning of extremely severe weather conditions. It indicates that the area is likely to experience heavy or very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms or other adverse weather events that may disrupt daily life and pose a threat to safety.

Heavy rains, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over the Andhra Pradesh coast, have triggered widespread flooding, damaging infrastructure and crops and claiming 35 lives in both states. Roads, railways and farmlands remain submerged as residents struggle to access basic daily necessities.

Flood waters have started receding in some areas, allowing governments to step up relief operations. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the affected areas and promised continued support. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy has assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are coordinating with the Telangana government to provide necessary assistance.

Relief efforts continue as the Indian Air Force and Navy carry out operations, airdropping supplies and rescuing stranded people. In Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, helicopters have delivered 50,000kg of relief material to flood-hit areas, while residents face power cuts and some are being exploited by private boat operators who charge excessive fees for transport.

In Telangana, government employees contributed Rs 130 crore from their salaries to support relief measures, while Chief Minister Revanth Reddy announced an ex-gratia donation of Rs 500,000 to families who lost their loved ones in the floods. Celebrities such as Telugu actor N Balakrishna and Mahesh Babu have also pledged donations, offering Rs 500,000 each to relief funds in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.