India: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states as of Sept. 4

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states as of Sept. 4. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing in the region since Aug. 30 amid the current monsoon season, triggering widespread flooding and landslides. Although calmer conditions Sept. 3 hves led to some floodwaters receding, further adverse weather is forecast across the affected areas over the coming days and will likely exacerbate the flood situation. As of Sept. 4, authorities have reported at least 19 flood-related fatalities in Andhra Pradesh State and 16 in Telangana. Around 450,000 people have been affected by the floods across Andhra Pradesh and more than 45,000 people have been evacuated. The city of Vijayawada was amongst the worst affected locations after it received its heaviest rainfall recorded in over 50 years Aug. 30, inundating large parts of the city. More than 3,000 people have been evacuated due to flooding across parts of Telangana, with Khammam, Warangal, and Nalgonda districts amongst the worst affected areas. Disaster response teams rescued more than 5,000 people in Andhra Pradesh and more than 2,000 people across Telangana from the floods. South Central Railway has canceled more than 400 trains and diverted a further 137 across the region through Sept. 6 due to flooded tracks. Many roads across the region are impassable due to flooding and landslides. Power outages have been reported in some affected areas, including parts of Vijayawada, Many schools have been closed across the region.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a press release warning of further heavy-to-very heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through at least Sept. 5, with further slightly less intense showers likely across the region through at least Sept. 8. The IMD has issued orange heavy rainfall and thunderstorm warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Sept. 4-5. Yellow warnings are in place for the Rayalaseema Region of Andhra Pradesh Sept. 4-6 and coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Sept. 6-8. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.