Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said protection of lives and property is the government’s foremost priority as the monsoon gets active, even as he called for continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations and quick response mechanisms to deal with emergencies arising from heavy rain.

Reviewing the preparedness of district administrations and disaster management agencies on Monday, the Minister directed officials across the State to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures in view of forecasts of widespread rainfall from June 19.

He stressed that preventing the impact of natural calamities through timely action is far more effective than responding after disasters occur. He instructed officials in all districts to remain vigilant throughout the season and ensure that adequate arrangements are in place to prevent any inconvenience to the public.

The Minister said that the south west monsoon entered southern Telangana on June 8 and initially covered Jogulamba Gadwal district. At present, the monsoon boundary extends through Hyderabad and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts towards the northern parts of the State. By June 14, monsoon covered all districts of south Telangana and most districts of central Telangana.

Despite the progress of the monsoon, Telangana has recorded a rainfall deficit so far this season. Between June 1 and June 14, the State received 49.2 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 54.9 mm, reflecting a shortfall of nearly 10%.