Telangana's Rainfall Deficit Drops to 10%, IMD Issues Red Alert in Five Districts

Telangana has witnessed a remarkable improvement in rainfall, significantly easing drought concerns and boosting prospects for the ongoing Kharif season. The state's rainfall deficit has fallen sharply from 33% to 10% in just 15 days, following widespread showers across several districts. While the rains have brought relief to farmers and improved agricultural conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of another spell of intense weather by issuing a Red Alert for five districts, prompting authorities to strengthen preparedness measures.

According to the IMD, the recent spell of widespread rainfall has substantially improved the state's overall monsoon performance. Data from the Telangana Development Planning Society (TDPS) showed that Gullakota in Jagtial district recorded the highest rainfall at 70.5 mm, followed by Sirpur (U) in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district with 66.6 mm. The rains have replenished soil moisture and created favourable conditions for sowing and crop growth after a prolonged dry spell.

Despite the encouraging recovery, rainfall remains uneven across the state. Thirteen of Telangana's 33 districts continue to report a rainfall deficit exceeding 20%, with Yadadri Bhuvanagiri recording the highest shortfall of 65%. Hyderabad has also received below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon season.

Heavy showers earlier this week caused waterlogging in several parts of Hyderabad, disrupting traffic and slowing vehicular movement on major roads. In other districts, overflowing streams temporarily cut off access to a few villages, while officials stepped up monitoring in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for parts of Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Jagtial districts, forecasting extremely heavy to exceptionally heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next 24 hours. Under IMD norms, a Red Alert indicates the possibility of more than 204 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, posing a high risk of flooding and disruption.

In response, Cyberabad Traffic Police have advised IT companies, corporate offices and other establishments to permit employees to work from home wherever feasible and release staff in a staggered manner from 2 p.m. onwards to reduce peak-hour congestion. Authorities have also urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, remain cautious on waterlogged roads and follow official advisories as disaster response teams remain on high alert across the state.