Traffic snarls to waterlogging: Few inches of rain expose administration’s preparation in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: A sudden and intense downpour on Monday left Hyderabad grappling with severe waterlogging, traffic snarls, and disrupted public transport.

Between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm, several parts of the city received over 100 mm of rainfall, marking it as the heaviest spell of the year so far.

Gajularamaram, Jubilee Hills, among worst-hit areas

Rain gauges recorded a high of 151.5 mm in Gajularamaram, followed by 124.5 mm in Jubilee Hills and 117 mm in Yousufguda. Other severely affected areas included Shaikpet (112 mm), Kukatpally, Mehdipatnam, and Khairatabad, where flooding was reported within the first hour.

HYDRAA Commissioner on ground, emergency teams mobilised

Foreseeing the likelihood of intense rainfall, HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath had alerted field officials two hours in advance.

As the rain intensified, he immediately inspected flood-prone zones such as Lakdikapul and Khairatabad, issuing instructions to Disaster Response Force (DRF) personnel and monsoon emergency teams to take preventive measures.

Fallen trees in some localities were quickly removed, and stranded vehicles were cleared from waterlogged roads to ease traffic flow. In areas like Jubilee Hills, Jeedimetla, and Uppal, HYDRAA teams worked in coordination with GHMC and the traffic police to manage the situation effectively.

To prevent flooding under city bridges, HYDRAA deployed additional high-capacity water pumps alongside existing automatic dewatering systems. The Commissioner urged residents to report any flood-related emergencies to the 24x7 HYDRAA control room at 9000113667.

Roads turn to Rivers, Trees Collapse, Traffic Disrupted

In several localities, water surged through roads, turning them into canals. In Banjara Hills, gushing water carried away scooters and garbage. In Kalapathar, streets resembled drainage channels. A tree collapsed near NIMS Hospital, damaging a parked car and multiple two-wheelers, stalling traffic.

At Satyam Theatre Circle and along the stretch circling KBR Park, traffic slowed to a crawl due to submerged roads. Live maps flashed red across major zones, including Lakdikapul, Begumpet, Narayanguda, Raj Bhavan Road, and Khairatabad.

Metro stations overrun by rain and rush

The Hyderabad Metro witnessed chaotic scenes as people turned to rail transport to escape flooded roads. The Raidurg station, the busiest on the network catering to IT professionals, was overcrowded, with walkways and entry points inundated.

GHMC, Police coordinate to clear blockages

GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan oversaw the civic response from the central control room. Disaster response teams removed debris, opened blocked manholes, and drained water from inundated residential zones.

Traffic police also issued real-time alerts, warning commuters of congested routes and submerged stretches. Automatic dewatering systems and mobile pump sets were deployed at underpasses and water-prone intersections.

Water Board issues manhole warning

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWS&SB) cautioned the public not to open manhole covers to avoid accidents. Emergency Response Teams (ERTs) were deployed citywide, and senior officials, including MD Ashok Reddy, confirmed that staff would stay on high alert for three days to ensure proper monitoring of drainage and water quality.

Airport Advisory and IMD Forecast

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) advised passengers to confirm flight statuses with their respective airlines before traveling, due to possible delays or diversions linked to the weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued humid conditions until noon, followed by scattered thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. The public is advised to stay indoors during heavy rainfall and avoid non-essential travel.

Public Advisory: Stay Alert, Report Flooding

Residents are urged to remain cautious, especially near waterlogged zones, open drains, and underpasses. In case of emergencies, they may contact the 24/7 HYDRAA Control Room at 9000113667 for immediate assistance.