Rain fury continues in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh; 8 dead, schools closed in Hyderabad

Mangalore Today News Network

Hyderabad, Sep 23, 2016: Authorities in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have sought help of Army for possible rescue operations as heavy rains continued to lash the two states for a second consecutive day on Friday, claiming at least eight innocent lives.

 

Here are the latest updates:-

With the Met office forecasting more rains over next two days, a high alert has been sounded in many cities.

The government has declared a two-day holiday for all educational institutions while information technology companies were urged to provide ’work from home’ option to the employees.

Greater Hyderabad Mayor B. Rammohan said the help of Army was sought for rescue work in areas like Alwal, Nizampet and Begumpet where overflowing water bodies and open drains have inundated residential areas.

Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has also sought assistance from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to undertake rescue and relief works.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, who is on a visit to Delhi, has directed officials to be ready for any eventuality.

Chief Minister KCR has directed the officials to shift people residing in low-lying areas to safer zones and take help from police, NDRF and Army.

NDRF, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been positioned to take up rescue and relief works.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Home Minister N Narasimha Reddy and top officials are monitoring the situation from control room at GHMC head office.

Telangana MPs, MLAs and other public representatives have been asked to be available to citizens round the clock.

Water level in Hussain Sagar lake in the heart of the city has reached full tank level and water is being let out through a surplus drain. All three parks surrounding the lake have been closed for public.

The Telanagan government has declared a holiday for all schools in GHMC limits on Friday and Saturday.