T'gana CM urges Centre to declare floods as national calamity as 16 die

At least 16 people lost their lives in various rain-related incidents, while some persons were still missing as heavy rains lashed several parts of Telangana since August 31 even as Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy urged the Centre to declare the floods in the state as a national calamity.

Revanth Reddy, who visited flood victims and later held a review with ministers and officials at Khammam, said 16 people died, while crops in lakhs of acres suffered damage, as per preliminary information, despite the government's efforts to prevent loss of life and damage to property.

He said he has written to PM Narendra Modi to declare the heavy rains and flood as a national calamity and to visit the flood-hit areas.

He said as per preliminary estimates, the state suffered damage to the tune of Rs 5,438 crore due to the rains and floods.

"I appeal to the Prime Minister. The Centre should play the role of an elder brother and help Telangana in this hour of calamity," he said.

He said the state