Hyderabad is preparing for the upcoming monsoon season with stronger disaster response measures after recent heavy rains disrupted several areas on Wednesday. The Telangana State Government has rolled out a detailed action plan to handle emergencies more effectively this year.
To improve disaster response, three NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) teams are now stationed in Hyderabad. In addition, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units have been deployed across all 10 former district headquarters to stay ready for any emergency.
Officials are gearing up as the India Meteorological Department has predicted the monsoon will hit Telangana by the end of May, bringing moderate to heavy rain across many districts. In response, Arvind Kumar, Special Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, has given new safety guidelines to every district.
Learning from delays during the August 2024 floods, the government has taken key steps to avoid repeat issues. Now, 12 SDRF teams, each with 100 trained personnel from the Telangana Special Police, are ready at multiple locations. These teams are trained to respond immediately to rain-related disasters, ensuring faster action when needed.
More support has been requested from the NDRF, especially for districts known for intense rain. In addition to Hyderabad’s three teams, the State has asked for more NDRF units to be created in rain-prone regions.
To boost local capacity, all fire stations in the former district HQs have trained their staff in disaster prevention. Special HYDRA teams are now active in Hyderabad and nearby areas to respond quickly to urban emergencies.
Arvind Kumar emphasized that if heavy rain or flooding is forecasted, SDRF and NDRF teams must stay in close contact with local authorities. District officials have been instructed to coordinate with their fire departments and request help from the State Disaster Management Department if needed.
He also suggested using the support of Singareni Collieries staff, who are experienced in handling emergencies. Lastly, he urged district collectors to pay extra attention to flood-prone and rain-affected communities to minimize damage and loss.
With these efforts, Telangana aims to stay better prepared and reduce the impact of severe weather events this monsoon season.
