KT Rama Rao on Monday said that as many as 70 people have lost their lives in Telangana due to rains and resultant devastation. Of these, 33 deaths took place in the GHMC.

"We have found out that 3 deaths are yet to be confirmed because the bodies are missing. Due to early action, DRF and others could evacuate 37,000 people. DRF, NDRF and others are gearing up to evacuate thousands more in the coming three days," KTR said.

Scores of Special Officers and about a thousand staff members of GHMC have been asked to redirect their resources and energies to flood-related relief measures.

KTR urged everyone to listen to authorities when asked to move out of low-lying and other risk zones. People not staying on ground floors may not be hard-pressed to move out. However, authorities face a challenge in ensuring that relief packages like food packets reach them.

At a time when the Hyderabadi spirit has hit a new low, KTR tried to boost the morale by saying that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is seized with the priority of rebuilding the city. "I haven't seen rains of this sort in my lifetime. We have spent Rs 45 Cr from GHMC funds already. South Hyderabad has been more affected than other parts," he said.

"Something like Rs 670 Cr will be spent by the government on relief and rescue measures (after having already spent Rs 60 Cr). We have sought funds to the tune of Rs 1,350 Cr from the Centre," KTR said.