Warangal and Hanamkonda, the historical twin cities of Telangana, witnessed unprecedented devastation on Thursday as relentless downpours from Cyclone Montha’s remnants unleashed flash floods, paralyzing daily life, inundating hundreds of colonies, and forcing mass evacuations. The torrential rain one of the heaviest in the region’s recorded history left roads resembling rivers and homes marooned, prompting large-scale rescue operations through the night.
According to official data from the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS), several areas in the erstwhile Warangal district recorded extraordinary rainfall between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Bheemdevarapalle in Hanamkonda district received a staggering 412.3 mm, followed by Kalleda in Warangal district at 367.8 mm, while Urus and Redlawada each recorded over 330 mm. At least 20 localities registered rainfall exceeding 200 mm within a few hours levels that meteorologists classify as “extremely heavy rainfall”.
Chaos Unleashed: Flash Floods Swallow Streets, Homes, and Vehicles
The deluge quickly overwhelmed Warangal’s stormwater network. Drains and nalas overflowed, transforming arterial roads into raging streams. Residential colonies such as Indira Nagar, Chinna Waddepally, Bondivagu, and the Railway Station area were among the worst hit. Floodwaters entered hundreds of homes, submerging vehicles, shops, and public buildings under waist-deep water.
At dawn, videos circulating on social media showed cars floating in Hanamkonda’s main market and residents stranded on rooftops waving for help. The iconic Kazipet–Hanamkonda–Warangal corridor, usually bustling with traffic, turned into a torrent as the Nayimnagar drain breached its banks, forcing authorities to barricade multiple roads.
Municipal officials confirmed that over 2,000 residents were evacuated to safer locations and relief shelters across the districts. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, along with municipal workers, police, and local volunteers, conducted rescue missions in inflatable boats, rescuing elderly citizens, children, and patients trapped in submerged colonies.
Relief Camps and Rescue Operations in Full Swing
The Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation (GWMC) set up 12 emergency relief centres to house displaced families. Each centre is being supplied with drinking water, cooked food, medical aid, and blankets. Officials have requested citizens living near Bondivagu, Ursu Cheruvu, and Dharmasagar to remain vigilant, as water levels in several tanks are approaching danger marks.
“We haven’t seen anything like this in decades,” said Collector P. Pravinya, who has been overseeing rescue coordination. “Our teams have been working continuously since last night. The rainfall was so intense that even well-maintained drains could not handle the volume.”
Electricity supply was disrupted in several zones, and power restoration teams have been deployed with transformers and mobile generators. Emergency medical teams have been stationed at MGM Hospital and other key health centres to attend to those affected by exposure and minor injuries.
Transport Collapses: Roads, Rail Lines, and Buses Affected
The relentless downpour crippled transportation across the region. National Highway 365, connecting Warangal to Khammam, was partially closed due to waterlogging. The Warangal–Kazipet–Secunderabad rail line experienced severe delays as tracks near Kazipet Junction were submerged. Several trains were halted or diverted to prevent accidents.
Public bus services by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) were also suspended on key routes. The Hanamkonda Bus Stand resembled a water park, with buses stranded in chest-deep water. Commuters had to wade through sludge to reach higher ground. In the countryside, connecting roads between Parkal, Narsampet, and Wardhannapet were cut off, isolating several villages.
Overflowing Tanks and Breaches Worsen the Crisis
The rainfall pushed small irrigation tanks and lakes beyond capacity. Officials reported breaches at minor bunds near Desaipet, Shayampet, and Hasanparthy, releasing torrents into downstream habitations. At Dharmasagar, inflow surged dramatically, forcing the irrigation department to open gates to prevent overtopping.
Environmental experts pointed out that rapid urbanization and encroachment on natural drains have magnified the flood impact. Dr. K. Srinivas, a hydrology researcher at Kakatiya University, said,
“Many of Warangal’s natural tanks that once absorbed excess rainwater have been filled up for construction. Without restoring those catchments, these flash floods will only become more frequent.”
Farmers Hit Hard as Crops Submerged
Outside the urban centres, the damage to agriculture has been immense. Kharif crops especially cotton, maize, and paddy nearing harvest were destroyed in thousands of acres. Farmers in Geesugonda, Sangem, and Nekkonda mandals reported that standing crops have been submerged for over 24 hours, making recovery unlikely.
Preliminary estimates suggest crop losses running into several hundred crores, though an official assessment is still underway. The state agriculture department has begun a rapid damage survey and will recommend relief once waters recede.
Government’s Response: CM Orders Emergency Review
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy reviewed the flood situation via video conference and directed immediate deployment of additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to Warangal and Hanamkonda. He instructed officials to ensure no loss of life due to negligence and announced an ex gratia of ₹5 lakh for families of victims.
The CM also said long-term flood mitigation projects would be fast-tracked under a “Smart Drainage Mission” for Warangal city, similar to the stormwater upgrade in Hyderabad. “This rainfall has exposed systemic weaknesses. We will strengthen Warangal’s urban infrastructure to withstand extreme events,” he stated.
Infrastructure Failure and Public Anger
Residents have expressed anger over what they describe as poor pre-monsoon preparation. Social media was flooded with posts criticizing the municipal body for not desilting drains despite repeated warnings. Local civic activists alleged that unregulated real estate growth has narrowed drainage channels and worsened the flooding.
A viral video from Subedari colony showed a newly built apartment complex diverting stormwater into residential streets. “It’s not just rain it’s negligence,” said Ravi Kumar, a resident. “Every year we are promised better drainage, but this time our entire neighbourhood was under four feet of water.”
Weather Outlook: More Rain Ahead
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Montha has weakened into a deep depression but continues to bring heavy rain bands across northern Telangana. The IMD issued a “Red Alert” for Warangal, Hanamkonda, and Janagam districts, warning of isolated extremely heavy rainfall (>204 mm) through Friday morning.
Authorities have advised residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground and avoid venturing near swollen streams, bridges, and electric poles. Schools and colleges in the twin cities will remain closed until further notice.
Safety Measures and Helpline Numbers
The Warangal district control room (Phone: 0870-2579000) and the Hanamkonda disaster helpline (Phone: 0870-2455555) are operational 24×7. Citizens can report stranded persons, waterlogging, or electrical hazards via the GHMC Disaster Management mobile app or WhatsApp helpline.
Authorities urge people to:
- Avoid wading through moving floodwaters.
- Switch off main electricity before leaving flooded homes.
- Keep emergency kits ready with torches, first aid, dry food, and water.
- Stay tuned to local radio and verified social media for updates.
- Experts Warn of Growing Climate Extremes
Meteorologists say this event underscores the increasing volatility of India’s post-monsoon weather due to climate change. “A single storm delivering over 400 mm of rain in a few hours is a wake-up call,” said Dr. P. Anitha, a senior IMD scientist. “Urban areas like Warangal must adapt drainage, zoning, and building codes to new climate realities.”
Environmental groups are urging the Telangana government to map and restore the city’s ancient tank network including Padmakshi Cheruvu, Ursu Lake, and Waddepally Cheruvu which historically acted as natural flood buffers.
The Road to Recovery
As waters slowly begin to recede in parts of Hanamkonda, residents are returning to assess the damage broken furniture, ruined appliances, and waterlogged schools. Municipal workers, aided by fire services, have begun clearing debris and disinfecting public areas to prevent disease outbreaks.
Despite the destruction, stories of heroism emerged: youth groups formed human chains to rescue the elderly, women cooked food for stranded neighbors, and volunteers provided dry clothes to children rescued from submerged schools.
A City Tested, A Lesson for the Future
The Warangal–Hanamkonda floods of October 2025 will likely go down as one of the worst natural disasters in the region’s modern history. While the city’s resilience and community spirit shone through, the episode has laid bare critical vulnerabilities in urban planning, infrastructure, and disaster readiness.
As Cyclone Montha moves further north, Telangana’s twin cities are left grappling with the aftermath a powerful reminder that climate adaptation and sustainable urban management are no longer optional but essential for survival.
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