Heavy rains lashed Hyderabad on Wednesday, bringing the city to a standstill with widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion, and temporary power outages. The downpour, which started in the early hours, intensified by afternoon, severely impacting daily activities across the city.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Hyderabad and surrounding districts are expected to continue experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. A yellow alert has been issued for Hyderabad, Rangareddy, and Medchal-Malkajgiri districts, urging residents to take precautions and avoid venturing out unless necessary.
Several low-lying areas in the city such as Begumpet, Malakpet, Nampally, and Mehdipatnam were submerged under water, with local roads resembling rivers. Traffic flow was significantly affected as commuters were stuck in long snarls, especially during peak hours. Key stretches such as the Banjara Hills Road No. 1, LB Nagar junction, and areas around Hi-Tech City witnessed major traffic jams.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has activated its emergency monsoon teams to manage the situation. Personnel are working round the clock to clear clogged drains, pump out water from submerged areas, and ensure uninterrupted power supply in affected zones. Officials have also coordinated with the traffic police to manage vehicle movement and provide assistance to stranded motorists.
A few schools and offices announced early closure, allowing students and employees to return home safely before the rains intensified. The Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) reported temporary power disruptions in parts of Kukatpally, Uppal, and Dilsukhnagar but confirmed restoration efforts are underway.
Meanwhile, meteorologists have attributed the heavy rainfall to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal that is influencing the weather patterns across Telangana. As a result, similar weather conditions are expected in the region for at least the next two days.
Disaster response teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been put on standby in vulnerable zones. GHMC has also opened helplines to report emergency incidents and request municipal support.
Citizens have been advised to follow weather updates issued by the IMD and GHMC and stay away from open drains, underpasses, and waterlogged streets to avoid accidents. The authorities have also appealed to residents to avoid spreading misinformation or unverified images on social media platforms.
This sudden spell of heavy rain has once again highlighted the city’s infrastructural challenges in handling extreme weather events. Urban planners and civil society organizations have called for long-term measures to improve stormwater drainage systems and develop resilient infrastructure to mitigate future risks.
The Hyderabad administration has assured that all departments are working in coordination to restore normalcy at the earliest and provide relief to affected residents.
