**Telangana, 1st September 2024:** Telangana Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy was visibly emotional as he described the harrowing rescue efforts underway in Paleru, where severe flooding has caused widespread devastation. The minister expressed deep concern for the affected residents, particularly highlighting the plight of a laborer’s family caught in the floodwaters in his constituency.Minister Ponguleti, with tears in his eyes, recounted the tragic story of Yakub, a laborer who makes bricks in Paleru. Yakub’s family was caught in the floods, and despite relentless rescue efforts, only Yakub’s son could be saved. The minister lamented that the adverse weather conditions prevented the deployment of helicopters for the rescue operation. “I tried my best to get helicopters, but the weather did not cooperate. At this point, only God Himself can save the rest of the family,” Ponguleti said, his voice choked with emotion.The ongoing heavy rains have brought chaos to the region, with Minister Ponguleti revealing that nine people have lost their lives due to the floods across Telangana as of 1 PM on Sunday. The situation is especially critical in areas where the Munneru River has overflowed, submerging low-lying regions in Khammam. Many apartments have seen their cellars filled with water, turning roads into rivers and causing significant traffic disruptions. The deluge has also halted traffic between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, further compounding the crisis.In response to the escalating situation, the Telangana government has declared a holiday for educational institutions across the state on Monday to ensure the safety of students and staff. Authorities continue to monitor the weather closely and are coordinating ongoing rescue efforts in the affected areas.The heartfelt plea from Minister Ponguleti underscores the severity of the crisis and the challenges faced by rescue teams on the ground. As Telangana grapples with the effects of relentless rain and flooding, the minister’s emotional appeal for divine intervention reflects the urgency of the situation.