FULL STORY

What happened

  • On October 29, 2025, two Telangana districts moved to preempt impacts from Cyclone Montha.
  • Nagarkurnool authorities declared a holiday for all government and private schools; the Summative Assessment (SA)-II exam scheduled for the day was postponed, with a revised date to be announced.
  • In Khammam, the administration closed all government, aided, and private educational institutions for the day due to expected heavy rain.

Preparedness and advisories

  • District officials in Nagarkurnool reviewed conditions since morning and instructed line departments to protect standing and harvested crops.
  • Procurement centers were told to secure paddy and grains from rain exposure, provide tarpaulins to farmers, and expedite unloading at mills.
  • Communities were warned about the risk of flooding as widespread rain is expected over the next 72 hours.
  • Fishers were advised not to venture into rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, and reservoirs until conditions improve.

Local impact by district

  • Nagarkurnool: Collector Badavath Santhosh led a multi-department review focusing on crop protection, logistics at procurement centers, and public safety communication. Special emphasis was placed on safeguarding grain that farmers have brought in for purchase and grain laid out for drying.

  • Khammam: Collector Anudeep Durishetty announced the one-day closure of educational institutions through official channels. Authorities said updates would be issued as weather evolves.

What students, parents, and residents should do

  • Students and parents:
  • Treat the October 29 closures as a safety measure; await formal notice on new SA-II exam dates.

  • Use the day to secure books and electronics from possible leaks and power fluctuations.

  • Farmers:

  • Move harvested paddy to covered spaces; use tarpaulin sheets supplied by the administration.

  • Avoid keeping grain on open floors; elevate sacks and ensure quick transport and unloading if moving to mills.

  • Fishers and those living near water bodies:

  • Stay away from rivers, lakes, ponds, canals, and reservoirs until advisories are lifted.

  • Monitor level rises and have evacuation plans, especially in flood-prone localities.

  • All residents:

  • Expect intermittent disruptions to power and local transport; plan for slower commutes.
  • Follow verified updates from district administrations and avoid rumors on social media.

Context: Cyclone Montha and inland Telangana

Cyclone systems that develop or move along India’s east coast can push deep bands of moisture inland, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds, and flash-flood risk to interior districts of Telangana. While coastal areas typically bear the brunt of landfall, the state’s river networks and reservoirs can swell quickly when a cyclone feeds sustained rainfall into catchments.

Officials signaled that Montha’s rain bands could persist for up to three days, raising the possibility of waterlogging in low-lying areas, interruptions to classes and examinations, and spoilage of freshly harvested crops. The timing is sensitive for paddy procurement: farmers often move grain to purchase centers and spread it for drying, making it vulnerable to sudden downpours. Rapid provision of tarpaulin and swift unloading at mills can reduce damage and preserve incomes.

Telangana’s experience with recent heavy-rain events has repeatedly shown that early closures, clear instructions to line departments, and timely risk communication help limit casualties and economic losses. Wednesday’s measures in Nagarkurnool and Khammam fit that playbook: prioritize student safety, stabilize farm supply chains, and keep people away from dangerous water bodies while the system passes.

Government coordination and next steps

  • Multi-department coordination: Revenue, education, agriculture, civil supplies, and police departments have been tasked with executing the district plans—ranging from school closures to crop protection and movement restrictions around risky zones.
  • Public communication: Residents have been asked to rely on official bulletins for updates on school schedules, exam rescheduling, and any evacuation advisories.
  • Relief materials: Tarpaulins and other protective supplies are being routed to procurement centers and villages where harvested paddy is exposed.
  • Monitoring window: With a 72-hour risk horizon flagged, administrations are likely to reassess closures and advisories daily.
  • Urban preparedness: Municipal bodies in the region may deploy de-watering pumps to chronic waterlogging points and clear debris from drains to keep roads passable.

The developments in Nagarkurnool and Khammam may serve as a template for other Telangana districts should Montha’s rain field expand. Parents should wait for instructions from school managements, while farmers, transporters, and market intermediaries should coordinate closely with procurement officials to minimize post-harvest losses.