Hyderabad, October 29: The impact of Cyclone Montha intensified across Telangana on Tuesday night, bringing heavy to moderate rainfall to Hyderabad and several nearby districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for multiple regions, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds over the next 48 hours as the system continues to move northwestward.
City Drenched Under Cyclone’s Grip
Under the influence of the cyclonic storm, Hyderabad witnessed persistent rainfall since Tuesday evening, with several areas such as Gachibowli, Lingampalli, Chintal, Budvel, Attapur, and Kukatpally recording intense showers.
Some localities experienced short but heavy bursts of rain, while others reported steady drizzles throughout the night.
Commuters faced difficulties as waterlogging was reported at several points including Miyapur, Ameerpet, and Mehdipatnam, leading to traffic congestion on arterial routes. The GHMC Disaster Response Force has been pressed into action to clear waterlogged roads and fallen trees.
Districts Under Orange Alert
The IMD Hyderabad Centre has placed the following districts under an orange alert:
Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Hanamkonda, Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda, Vikarabad, and Suryapet.
Officials have warned that some areas may receive up to 120 mm of rainfall, with winds likely to reach 50–60 kmph.
Government on High Alert
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reviewed the situation with senior officials and directed the district administrations to stay on high alert.
Emphasizing the ongoing paddy harvest season, the Chief Minister instructed that “no farmer should suffer losses due to unseasonal rains,” and ordered that procurement centres and drying yards be safeguarded from flooding.
Control rooms have been activated in all districts to coordinate rescue, relief, and monitoring operations.
Advisory to Farmers
The agriculture department has urged farmers to avoid drying or storing harvested crops in open fields and to take preventive measures to protect their produce.
Transport and Daily Life Disrupted
- RTC bus services were temporarily halted on several rural routes due to waterlogging.
- Power outages were reported in parts of Malkajgiri, LB Nagar, and Musheerabad.
- Schools and educational institutions in vulnerable districts may remain closed on Wednesday if conditions persist.
- Air and rail operations remain largely unaffected, though authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Rising Water Levels in Reservoirs
The Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs on the city’s outskirts have recorded a significant rise in water levels. The irrigation department has warned that controlled gate releases may be initiated if inflows continue overnight.
Next 48 Hours Crucial
According to IMD’s forecast, the cyclone’s outer bands will continue to bring widespread rainfall across central and southern Telangana until Thursday morning.
Citizens have been advised to stay indoors, avoid venturing near water bodies, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities.
On the Ground: Scenes from the City
Images and videos shared on social media show rain-soaked streets, stranded vehicles, and lightning-lit skies, as residents brace for another spell of heavy downpour tonight.
Meteorological Insight
“Cyclone Montha has retained its intensity while moving inland. Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are fueling continuous rain over Telangana,” said an IMD Hyderabad official.