Torrential rain claims 20 lives across Telangana

A two-hour spell of torrential rain last week wreaked havoc in Telangana, leaving at least 20 dead in different incidents across the state. While Telangana has seen a high number of rain-related deaths in the past as well, last week's death toll - amid peak summer - stands out as unusual. In one instance, seven migrant workers were crushed to death in Bachupally after a 25-foot retaining wall collapsed at a construction site in the area. Two other labourers were killed in a similar incident in neighbouring Medak district. The victims died when an under-construction wall fell on them following the downpour accompanied by gale. According to IMD data, most parts of Telangana received an average of 12mm rainfall between 5.30 pm & 7.30 pm on Tuesday. Hyderabad witnessed the heaviest downpour with an average of 39.5mm. Following the rains, at least four people from the city, including a child, died of electrocution. Meanwhile, following the deluge, police retrieved two bodies from the Begumpet nala.