Cyclone ‘Montha’ Batters Telangana: Torrential Rains Wreck Roads, Flood Reservoirs, and Halt Transport

Cyclone ‘Montha’ Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Telangana

Cyclone Montha, which made landfall as a severe cyclonic storm before weakening, has left a trail of destruction across Telangana. Continuous, heavy-to-very-heavy rainfall since Tuesday night has triggered flash floods, paralysed transport, and damaged infrastructure in several districts, including Hyderabad.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Montha’s remnants continue to bring intense precipitation over large parts of the state. The IMD has issued a flash flood risk alert for 14 districts and an Orange Alert for 12, warning of possible inundation and further disruption through Wednesday morning.

Twin Reservoirs Overflow, Floodgates Opened

The unrelenting rainfall pushed the Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs—key sources of Hyderabad’s drinking water—close to their full storage levels. In response, officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) opened multiple floodgates to release excess water into the Musi River.

However, the sheer force of the outflow caused extensive damage downstream. Large portions of the Outer Ring Road (ORR) service road near Exit 17, adjoining the Himayatsagar gates, were washed away. Dramatic visuals from the site showed water gushing over the road surface, making it completely impassable.

Authorities have urged residents to avoid the damaged ORR stretch and surrounding low-lying areas, warning that the structure remains unsafe for travel.

Hyderabad’s IT Corridor Hit by Gridlock

The downpour has severely disrupted daily life in the state capital. Hyderabad’s IT corridor, which houses major technology parks and multinational offices, has been particularly affected. Severe waterlogging has led to massive traffic jams and stranded commuters, prompting local authorities and IT firms to recommend staggered work hours and remote logins until conditions improve.

Rail and Road Transport Disrupted

The South Central Railway reported widespread service interruptions due to waterlogging along major routes, including Dornakal Yard. Several trains were cancelled or diverted, and officials said restoration work is underway but dependent on rainfall intensity.

Road traffic remains chaotic across Warangal, Nalgonda, and Mahabubabad, where rainfall has crossed 16 cm in 24 hours. State disaster response teams are monitoring water levels in key catchment areas and assisting with rescue and relief operations.

Government Issues Safety Advisory

The Telangana government has urged residents to remain indoors unless absolutely necessary. “Please do not travel near reservoirs, riverbanks, or damaged roads. Exercise caution and follow local advisories,” the State Disaster Management Authority (TSDMA) said in a public notice.

Emergency response teams have been deployed across affected districts, while engineers are assessing damage to roads and drainage networks in Hyderabad’s outskirts.