TS: Relief operations gain momentum as rains subside

Hyderabad: Relief and rescue work picked up in flood-affected areas of Telangana on Saturday after monsoon rains ebbed in the state even as the death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 16.

Waterlogging continued in parts of Warangal despite rainfall subsiding. Th e state government has set up relief camps and ramped up rescue and rehabilitation work in rain-affected areas. Torrential rains that pounded the state for the last one week have claimed 16 lives.

Water level in Godavari river in the temple town of Bhadrachalam stood at 54.60 ft at 11 AM on Saturday and the third and final warning was in force (third warning level is 53 ft).

People living in vulnerable areas have been evacuated and shifted to relief camps in the district. National Disaster Response Force has been pressed into service.

Around 100 people, including those who required medical help, were rescued including in boats, police said. Food packets were provided to those who took shelter at high ground in parts of the state by choppers.

Agricultural fields in several districts suffered damage due to heavy rains and flooding. Eight people were swept away in the flood waters in Mulugu district following heavy downpour and their bodies were fished out on Friday.

According to an official release, around 19,000 people have been shifted to safer places in many districts.

At least 16 dead in rain-related incidents

At least 16 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents due to the downpour that lashed Telangana during the past week, officials said.

Relief work gained momentum on Saturday as rainfall came to a halt in many parts of the state. When contacted, a senior official told PTI that 16 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents as per the reports received till Saturday afternoon.

Waterlogging continued in parts of Warangal despite rainfall subsiding since Friday. The state government has set up relief camps and ramped up rescue and rehabilitation work in rain-affected areas.

The Bhadrakali tank in Warangal suffered a breach and efforts were on to plug it.

Those who returned to their homes in the town on Saturday after taking shelter in safer places during the last few days due to flooding were anguished over the damage to household items. (PTI)