Punjab rescues over 6,000 from floods after heavy rain in Telangana districts. On Friday, August 29, 2025, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy rain alerts for six Telangana districts—Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, and Mahbubabad—forecasting thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph. The alerts follow severe flooding in Kamareddy and other areas, disrupting lives and infrastructure. In Punjab, over 6,000 people have been rescued from flood-affected regions.
Heavy Rain Alerts Issued
The IMD’s forecast for Friday, August 29, 2025, warns of heavy rain in Telangana districts, including northern and northeastern districts. Thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds are expected, raising concerns about flash floods and waterlogging. The alerts cover Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, and Mahbubabad, urging residents to stay vigilant. The warning follows intense rainfall in Kamareddy, where floodwaters submerged colonies like GR Colony and Teachers Colony on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, forcing evacuations.
Impact of Recent Rainfall
Telangana has faced relentless monsoon rains, with Kamareddy district reporting severe flooding. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, water levels reached two storeys in some areas, catching residents off guard. Extreme rainfall events in Kamareddy, Sircilla, Jagitial, and other districts have subsided, but light rains may persist. The state government has mobilised rescue operations, with the Indian Air Force assisting in Kamareddy and Rajanna Sircilla.
Punjab’s Rescue Efforts Amid Floods
In Punjab, heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers has caused widespread flooding, exacerbated by surplus water releases from the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar dams. Over 6,000 people have been rescued from low-lying villages near the Ghaggar River in Patiala district. The floods have inundated farmlands, threatening significant crop losses. The state administration issued alerts on Thursday, August 28, 2025, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
Northern India Reels Under Monsoon Fury
The heavy rain in Telangana districts is part of a broader monsoon surge affecting northern India. In Jammu and Kashmir, the death toll from floods and landslides reached 41 on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, with the Vaishno Devi landslide claiming 34 lives. The Jammu-Srinagar highway remains closed due to multiple landslides in the Udhampur-Ramban belt. In Himachal Pradesh, 524 roads, including two national highways, were blocked as of Thursday, August 28, 2025, with flash floods washing away infrastructure in Kangra district’s Bada Bangal village.
Infrastructure and Livelihoods at Risk
The relentless thunderstorm activity and heavy rain across India have disrupted transport, power, and water supply. In Himachal Pradesh, 1,230 electricity transformers and 416 water supply schemes were non-functional as of Thursday, August 28, 2025. In Telangana, rural roads and cross-drainage structures have suffered damage estimated at INR 150 crore, with restoration efforts underway. These disruptions underscore the need for resilient infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.
Official Response and Precautions
Even before heavy rain in Telangana districts, Telangana’s government has directed district collectors to enhance disaster preparedness, drawing lessons from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA). In Punjab, the state administration is coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for rescue operations. The IMD’s ongoing alerts emphasise the need for proactive measures to protect lives and property during this monsoon season.
Looking Ahead
As heavy rain in Telangana districts continues to pose risks, authorities are urging residents to stay updated on weather alerts and avoid flood-prone areas. With the monsoon season ongoing, coordinated efforts between state and central agencies will be crucial to manage the crisis and support affected communities.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 29th, 2025
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