By: Bharat Daily Samachar Date: 29 October 2025

Cyclone Montha Brings Chaos to Telangana: Heavy Rains Disrupt Transport and Daily Life

As Cyclone Montha swept through southern India, Telangana witnessed an unrelenting spell of heavy rain that has thrown life out of gear. From waterlogged streets in Hyderabad to disrupted train and bus services across multiple districts, the state is grappling with the full impact of nature’s fury. The downpour, accompanied by gusty winds, has caused widespread inconvenience, property damage, and transportation chaos, while authorities race to restore normalcy.

Widespread Rainfall Across the State

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier warned of severe weather conditions as the cyclone made landfall along the east coast. Telangana, particularly its northern and central districts, bore the brunt of the storm’s outer bands. Regions like Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Khammam recorded heavy rainfall, leading to overflowing drains and flash floods.

Hyderabad, the state’s capital, experienced continuous showers that left several main roads submerged. Localities such as Begumpet, Madhapur, and Kukatpally saw knee-deep water, severely affecting both pedestrians and motorists. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) deployed emergency response teams to clear debris and manage drainage, but the scale of waterlogging proved challenging.

Transport Services Hit Hard

Transportation has been one of the worst-hit sectors. Several long-distance and passenger trains were cancelled or diverted due to track flooding between major junctions. Railway officials advised passengers to check real-time updates before travelling. Bus services operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) were also suspended in certain areas for safety reasons.

At Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, flight schedules were temporarily affected due to poor visibility and gusty crosswinds. Many passengers faced delays as air traffic controllers prioritized safety over punctuality. Inter-district travel came to a near halt as highways connecting Warangal, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar were partially submerged.

Urban Flooding and Power Disruptions

The relentless downpour has triggered urban flooding in low-lying residential areas. Several housing colonies and apartment complexes reported water entering basements, damaging vehicles and electrical systems. Power outages were reported in various localities after transformers and lines were affected by water seepage.

The Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) has issued safety advisories, urging citizens to avoid contact with exposed electrical wires and switch off mains in case of water entry. Repair crews have been deployed round the clock to restore power in affected zones, though continuous rain is slowing their progress.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy held an emergency meeting to assess the situation and instructed district collectors to remain on high alert. Disaster management teams have been deployed across vulnerable regions to assist with evacuations, distribute food packets, and set up temporary shelters.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police have jointly initiated rescue operations in areas where water levels rose dangerously high. In Khammam, nearly 200 families were shifted to safe zones after heavy flooding in residential colonies. Volunteers from various NGOs have joined hands with officials to provide relief materials, drinking water, and medical aid to the displaced.

The Chief Minister also appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and follow official advisories closely. Schools and colleges in multiple districts have declared holidays until the situation improves.

Impact on Agriculture and Rural Life

While urban areas struggle with waterlogging, rural communities face a different challenge. The unseasonal downpour has caused significant damage to standing crops like cotton, maize, and paddy. In districts like Karimnagar and Jagtial, large tracts of farmland are now under water, raising fears of crop loss among farmers.

Agricultural officers have been directed to survey the affected regions and prepare a report for compensation. The government is also considering financial aid packages for small farmers whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the cyclone’s after-effects.

Voices from the Ground

Local residents have been sharing their experiences on social media, painting a vivid picture of the crisis. Commuters describe traffic jams stretching for kilometres and vehicles breaking down in floodwaters. “I spent nearly three hours just to cover a five-kilometre distance,” said a resident from Secunderabad.

In Warangal, shop owners lamented losses as rainwater entered their establishments. “This is the third time in two years we are seeing such severe flooding,” said Praveen Reddy, a textile merchant. “It’s not just about one day of rain — it’s about poor drainage and lack of planning.”

Environmental Experts Weigh In

Environmentalists and urban planners have raised concerns over Hyderabad’s growing vulnerability to heavy rainfall events. Experts point to unchecked construction on natural water channels and shrinking green spaces as major reasons behind frequent flooding. They urge a long-term urban planning approach that emphasizes sustainability, drainage reform, and rainwater harvesting.

Dr. Kiran Kumar, an environmental researcher, remarked, “Cyclones are natural, but their impact becomes catastrophic when cities are unprepared. Telangana needs better stormwater management systems and stricter land-use policies.”

Cautious Optimism Ahead

While the IMD has predicted that rainfall intensity will gradually decrease over the next 48 hours, officials warn that certain low-lying areas may continue to face waterlogging due to slow drainage. Emergency services remain on standby as the state transitions from rescue to recovery mode.

Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid flooded routes, and remain updated through official bulletins. Authorities have assured that restoration of essential services — including transport, electricity, and communication — is the immediate priority.

Conclusion

Cyclone Montha has once again reminded citizens of Telangana about the unpredictable nature of weather and the need for better preparedness. The storm’s aftermath has tested the resilience of both government machinery and the common people. Yet, amidst the destruction, stories of courage, cooperation, and timely action continue to shine.

As the skies begin to clear, the focus now shifts to rebuilding — not just roads and infrastructure, but also a collective resolve to make Telangana more resilient against future storms.