Hyderabad: The southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are grappling with one of the most severe flood situations in recent history, as relentless rainfall has inundated vast swathes of land, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Over the past 72 hours, the deluge has claimed at least 48 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and inflicted damage estimated to run into thousands of crores.
The heavy rains, triggered by a depression in the Bay of Bengal, began on August 30, 2024, and intensified over the following days, leading to widespread flooding. Andhra Pradesh bore the brunt of the downpour, receiving 27% more rainfall than its annual average in just 48 hours. A total of 548.40 mm of rainfall was recorded against the usual 429.10 mm, catching the state off-guard. The situation escalated quickly as rivers and reservoirs overflowed, submerging low-lying areas and cutting off entire communities.
In Telangana, the rains led to similar devastation, particularly in Khammam district, where the Munneru River breached its banks, causing catastrophic flooding. By September 2, the situation had worsened to the point that both states were in full crisis mode, with governments scrambling to coordinate relief efforts and prevent further loss of life.
As the floods surged, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to the worst-hit areas. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 25,000 people were rescued by these teams from flooded colonies in NTR, Krishna, and other districts. Over 50 boats were pressed into service to reach stranded residents and deliver essential supplies. âWe have saved more than 10,000 people trapped in their homes, and our teams are working around the clock despite the challenges posed by continuous rains and floodwaters,â said NDRF 10th Battalion Commandant V.V.N. Prasanna Kumar.
The situation in Telangana was equally dire. In Khammam, where the floods were most intense, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy conducted a review meeting late on September 2 to assess the damage and coordinate relief measures. The state government released Rs 5 crore each to the worst-affected districts, including Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, and Suryapet, to fund immediate relief operations, including the distribution of food, water, and medical supplies.
Despite these efforts, the challenges are immense. The floods have affected nearly 4.5 lakh people in Andhra Pradesh, with over 31,000 evacuated to 176 relief camps. In NTR district alone, 2.77 lakh people have been displaced, and 70 medical camps have been set up to assist the flood victims. The death toll continues to rise, with 17 people confirmed dead in NTR, Guntur, and Prakasam districts, while three remain missing in NTR district.
The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure across both states. In Telangana, 18 substations and over 2,417 electric poles were damaged, leading to widespread power outages. The Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TGSPDCL) is working to restore power, but the extent of the damage means that many areas will remain without electricity for days. âOur field engineers and staff are working tirelessly to replace damaged poles and transformers, but the heavy rain is hampering our efforts,â said TGSPDCL CMD Musharraf Faruqui in a teleconference with district/circle chief engineers and superintending engineers.
In Andhra Pradesh, the agricultural sector has been hit hard, with over 1.72 lakh hectares of crops destroyed. The damage is particularly severe in NTR, Guntur, Bapatla, Krishna, and Palnadu districts, where rice paddies, cotton fields, and other crops have been decimated. Horticulture has also suffered, with 14,959 hectares of crops impacted. This agricultural loss is a devastating blow to the local economy, which is heavily reliant on farming.
The transport network has also been severely disrupted. In Andhra Pradesh alone, 275 trains have been canceled, 149 diverted, and 12 partially canceled due to waterlogged tracks. Major highways are flooded, and communication between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana has been cut off in several areas. The disruption to transport and communication has further complicated relief efforts, leaving many areas isolated and without access to essential supplies.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has requested that the central government declare the floods a national calamity and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the affected areas to assess the damage firsthand. âThe losses in Telangana, particularly in Khammam, are more severe than in Andhra Pradesh,â Reddy stated, highlighting the need for immediate relief funds from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).
However, the political climate has been tense, at least in Telangana. Reddy criticised leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), particularly K.T. Rama Rao, who was in the United States during the floods, for not being on the ground to support relief efforts. âOur ministers have been working relentlessly, while others are engaged in baseless criticism from afar,â Reddy remarked during a press briefing in Khammam.
The central government has responded with assurances of support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with NDA partner and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on September 1, offering assistance from central departments and dispatching power boats and helicopters for rescue operations in Vijayawada. The Indian Navy has also been involved in the relief efforts, deploying helicopters for search and rescue missions in the worst-hit areas.
As the floodwaters recede, the full extent of the humanitarian crisis is becoming apparent. Thousands of people remain in relief camps, many of which are overcrowded and under-resourced. The lack of clean water, food, and medical supplies is creating dire conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women.
In Ajitsingh Nagar and other flooded neighbourhoods, NDRF teams reported seeing parents desperately seeking milk and food for their children. âThe situation is critical. Weâre doing everything we can, but the needs are overwhelming,â said Sukhendu Datta, a deputy commandant with the NDRF.
The floods have also caused significant damage to animals and infrastructure. In Andhra Pradesh, 136 animals have been lost, and 38 boats were fully damaged or lost. The damage to roads is extensive, with 1,808.31 kilometres of surface roads affected and road overflows reported at 151 locations.
In the coming days, the focus will shift to rehabilitation and rebuilding. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments have announced plans to conduct comprehensive damage assessments and provide compensation to affected families. Telangana has already committed to setting up a State Disaster Response Force on the lines of the NDRF, with 100-member units trained to respond to future emergencies.
While the immediate danger posed by the floods may be subsiding, the long-term challenges are just beginning. The extensive damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and housing will require massive investments in reconstruction and rehabilitation. The economic impact on the region, particularly on farming communities, could be felt for years to come.
Moreover, the floods have highlighted the vulnerabilities of both states to extreme weather events. As climate change continues to exacerbate the frequency and intensity of such events, there is an urgent need for more robust disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will need to invest in better flood management systems, early warning mechanisms, and community-based disaster response plans to mitigate the impact of future floods.
For now, the priority remains on providing immediate relief to those affected and ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are protected from further harm. As rescue operations continue and the waters slowly recede, the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives amidst the ruins left by the floods.
