The rain-hit Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana are not likely to have a respite till Thursday night. As per the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is very much likely to hit parts of the State on October 19, 20.

Rains accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are to be expected.

Meanwhile, the government is doing its best to minimize the damage to life and property in the rain-affected parts. The Chief Secretary of Telangana has reportedly started working with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka to get boats for various relief operations, given that the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has got not more than 20 boats.

Reports say that the National Disaster Relief Forces and the Army have been kept on alert in order to avoid any emergency situation. These forces have already kept helicopters ready.

"All officers and staff should be on high alert as more rains are forecast over the next 3-4 days in and around Hyderabad city," Minister KT Rama Rao instructed on Monday. Steps have already been initiated to evacuate people in low lying areas which face the risk of inundation. "Structurally weak houses and buildings should be identified and inmates have to be evacuated immediately," the Minister added.

The government is setting up more and more relief camps in community halls, and function halls. Free Annapurna meals will be arranged at all relief camps. Water tankers will be put in place. Mobile toilets will be set up at relief camps.

Mission mode works:

The GHMC has taken up disinfectant spraying in mission mode with the help of the Disaster Relief Forces in Hyderabad. "This is a preemptive and precautionary measure against communicable diseases and COVID-19. All preventive and response measures being taken by DRF in view of the incessant rains," an official statement added.