Heavy rain lashes Telangana, IMD red alert in 5 districts; Cyberabad IT firms advised WFH | Hyderabad News

Telangana’s rainfall deficit, which stood at 33% 15 days ago, had narrowed to 10% by Thursday morning, according to IMD.

HYDERABAD: Telangana received widespread rainfall over the last few days after a prolonged rain deficit, bringing relief to farmers, news agency PTI reported.Gullakota in Jagtial district received 70.5mm of rainfall till noon on Thursday, followed by 66.6mm at Sirpur (U) in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, according to the Telangana Development Planning Society.The state’s rainfall deficit, which stood at 33% 15 days ago, had narrowed to 10% by Thursday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).However, 13 of Telangana’s 33 districts have received less than 20% of their normal rainfall so far.The rainfall deficit in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district remains as high as 65%, while rainfall continues to be below normal in Hyderabad as well, PTI reported.The rains caused waterlogging and traffic snarls at several places in Hyderabad on the night of July 29. Rivulets were also in spate at some places across the state following the showers, disrupting normal life.In its weather warning, the IMD issued a ‘red alert’ for isolated places in Adilabad, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Jagtial districts. It forecast very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds from 1pm on Thursday to 8.30am on July 31.The IMD said light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places over Telangana during the same period.A ‘red alert’ indicates extremely heavy rainfall of over 204mm in 24 hours.In view of the forecast for moderate to heavy rainfall, the Cyberabad Traffic Police, in an advisory, asked companies, including IT firms and organisations operating in the area to consider work from home wherever possible.It also advised organisations to follow staggered early logouts from 2pm onwards to minimise travel-related risks, ease pressure on road infrastructure and ensure the smooth functioning of essential services amid adverse weather conditions.In a post on ‘X’, the Cyberabad Traffic Police said the advisory was issued keeping in mind public safety, productivity, the possibility of severe traffic congestion and the need to ensure uninterrupted emergency services, PTI reported.(With agency inputs)