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Hyderabad and parts of Telangana are reeling from the aftermath of intense rainfall that triggered widespread flooding, disrupting daily life and causing significant damage to infrastructure. The torrential downpour, which occurred on Thursday night, inundated low-lying areas in Hyderabad, leaving residents stranded and their homes submerged. The most affected areas include Yellareddyguda in Ameerpet, Picket colony in Secunderabad, and several stretches in the IT corridors of Kukatpally, Madhapur, Gachibowli, and Raidurgam. The inundation forced residents to spend a sleepless night, grappling with the rising water levels that seeped into their homes. The sheer volume of rainfall overwhelmed the city's drainage system, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic congestion. Emergency response teams from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) and the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) were deployed to pump out water from the affected areas and clear debris. Sanitation workers were also mobilized to remove silt and other obstructions, aiming to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. The scale of the disaster underscores the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure development to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
The impact of the heavy rainfall extended beyond residential areas, causing damage to critical infrastructure. In Ambedkar Nagar, Banjara Hills, a retaining wall of an open drain collapsed, posing a safety hazard to nearby residents. Greater Hyderabad Mayor Gadwal Vijayalaxmi visited the site and directed officials to install cautionary boards until the reconstruction of the wall is completed. This incident highlights the vulnerability of existing infrastructure to extreme weather conditions and the importance of regular maintenance and upgrades. Furthermore, the compound wall of a temple in the Puppalaguda area of Manikonda collapsed due to the heavy rain, causing partial damage to a couple of adjoining buildings. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this incident. However, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with structural failures during natural disasters. The heavy rainfall also caused water to enter numerous houses in OU Colony, Shaikhpet, exacerbating the woes of residents who have been grappling with this problem every rainy season. Frustrated residents are demanding that authorities find a permanent solution to the recurring flooding issue, emphasizing the need for long-term planning and sustainable infrastructure development.
The severity of the rainfall varied across different parts of Hyderabad and Telangana. The highest rainfall of 13.38 centimeters was recorded at Khajaguda Sports Complex in Gachibowli, followed by 12.03 centimeters in Saroor Nagar and Srinagar Colony, 11.88 cm in Khairatabad, and 11.60 cm in Yusufguda. These figures underscore the localized nature of the heavy rainfall and the need for targeted interventions in the most affected areas. In light of the prevailing conditions, Cyberabad Police advised people to avoid non-essential travel and urged IT companies to consider work-from-home arrangements wherever possible, recommending early logouts to minimize traffic congestion and ensure the safety of employees. The police department acknowledged that the cloudburst had brought over 100 mm of intense rainfall to several parts of the city, potentially causing road damage and waterlogging. They also warned that moderate to heavy showers are likely to continue during the day and intensify by evening and night, prompting heightened vigilance and precautionary measures.
The heavy rainfall also led to significant inflows into the city's twin reservoirs, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, which are located across the Musi River. As a result, authorities were forced to lift four gates of Himayat Sagar to release approximately 2,500 cusecs of water downstream. This measure was necessary to prevent the reservoir from overflowing and potentially causing further flooding in downstream areas. People residing along the river were alerted to the release of water and advised to take necessary precautions. The water level in Himayat Sagar on Friday morning was 1763.10 feet against the Full Reservoir Level of 1763.50 feet, while the water level in Osman Sagar stood at 1783.10 feet against the Full Reservoir Level of 1790 feet. These figures indicate that the reservoirs are approaching their full capacity, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and management of water levels to mitigate the risk of flooding.
The impact of the heavy rainfall extended beyond Hyderabad, affecting several districts of Telangana. The highest rainfall of 15.40 cm was recorded in Atmakur in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, followed by 14.15 cm in Shaligouraram in Nalgonda district, 13.38 cm in Serilingampally in Rangareddy district, and 13.13 cm in Addagudur in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. These figures underscore the widespread nature of the heavy rainfall and its potential impact on agriculture, infrastructure, and livelihoods across the state. In one incident, a car was submerged in a stream near Nelapatla in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district when the driver attempted to cross the stream, which was swollen due to the heavy rain. Fortunately, all six people traveling in the car managed to escape safely, although the car was washed away for some distance. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of attempting to cross flooded water bodies and the importance of exercising caution during periods of heavy rainfall.
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain in south Telangana districts for the next four days. A yellow alert has been issued to Nalgonda, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet, and Gadwal districts, indicating the potential for severe weather conditions. The Met Office has also forecast light to moderate rain in Hyderabad on Friday. The forecast of continued rainfall raises concerns about the potential for further flooding and disruption, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness. The authorities are urged to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the expected rainfall, including strengthening drainage systems, clearing debris, and providing assistance to affected communities. The citizens are also advised to stay informed about weather updates and follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities. The recent flooding in Hyderabad and Telangana serves as a wake-up call about the growing vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events and the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure development, improved urban planning, and effective disaster management strategies. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from the government, the private sector, and the community at large to build more resilient and sustainable cities.
Source: Few areas in Hyderabad remain flooded following heavy rain