Yellow alert: Heavy rains lash Hyderabad; water logging fears return to haunt people

Hyderabad: Heavy rains lashed Hyderabad on Monday morning reviving fears of waterlogging and traffic snarls.

This is the second consecutive morning that people woke up to heavy showers in the city.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Hyderabad, indicating that the city is likely to experience light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, sometimes intensifying into heavy spells.

Temperatures are also likely to drop as the city braces itself for another day of wet weather.

IMD's weather bulletin reminds citizens to be prepared and exercise caution during their daily routines.

This alert comes as a continuation of the intermittent rains that have been gracing the city since Sunday.

While Hyderabad gears up for more rain, the northern districts of Telangana are expected to bear the brunt of the upcoming weather system.

IMD has issued an orange alert for several districts, including Mancherial, Jagityal, Rajanna Sirsilla, Karimnagar, Peddapally, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, and Wanaparthi for Monday. An orange alert signifies that these areas are at a higher risk of experiencing heavy rainfall, potentially leading to localized flooding and disruptions to daily life.

Residents in these districts are advised to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take necessary precautions.

Water logging issues

One of the significant challenges that Hyderabad faces during the monsoon season is waterlogging at major junctions and low-lying areas.

Hyderabad is home to numerous lakes and water bodies, rains often lead to overflowing drains and waterlogging.

Major junctions and thoroughfares become vulnerable to waterlogging, causing traffic snarls and inconveniencing commuters. Areas like Punjagutta, Abids, Dilsukhnagar, and Basheerbagh have historically been prone to waterlogging during the monsoon.

The accumulation of rainwater on roads disrupts daily life and poses risks to public safety. Pedestrians and motorists alike find navigating inundated streets challenging, leading to accidents and delays.

Efforts to combat water logging in Hyderabad have been ongoing, with improved drainage systems and infrastructure upgrades implemented in vulnerable areas.

However, the sheer intensity of monsoon rains can sometimes overwhelm these measures, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and preparedness.

Experts have urged residents to stay informed about weather updates, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, and cooperate with authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all.