What Caused the Flooding at Hyderabad's Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station?
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Synopsis
On September 27, heavy floods from the Musi River inundated Hyderabad's Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, resulting in a major rescue operation. Authorities and rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate stranded passengers, as the situation escalated dangerously. This unprecedented event highlights the ongoing challenges of urban flooding in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Musi River flooding led to the rescue of stranded passengers.
- Emergency response teams, including HYDRAA and GHMC, were mobilized.
- Authorities redirected bus services due to the flooding.
- The situation at MGBS was deemed unprecedented in recent history.
- Historical floods in 1908 shaped modern flood prevention measures.
Hyderabad, Sep 27 (NationPress) Passengers at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) in Hyderabad were rescued by teams from the Disaster Response Force as the Musi River overflowed, flooding the largest bus station in Telangana.
A significant surge in the floodwaters after midnight, caused by substantial releases from the twin reservoirs of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar since Friday, led to the submersion of both bridges located within the MGBS area, trapping numerous passengers.
As water from the swollen river breached the platforms of the extensive facility, authorities were compelled to suspend bus services and initiate rescue operations for those trapped.
Rescue teams from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), alongside the Police and Fire Services Department, worked diligently to evacuate the stranded passengers.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to ensure the safe evacuation of those caught in the flood.
Meanwhile, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) rerouted buses heading to MGBS from various locations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to alternative destinations within the city.
Officials described the situation at MGBS as unprecedented, given that it is recognized as one of the largest bus terminals in Asia.
The Musi River, which traverses the city, was flowing perilously, inundating portions of nearby residential areas. Approximately 1,000 people from Shankar Nagar, Vinayaka Veedhi, Moosa Nagar, Padma Nagar, and other localities in Chaderghat were evacuated to relief camps.
The Chaderghat causeway was completely submerged, with water overflowing the old bridge at Moosarambagh, which was already closed to traffic. Additionally, a new high-level bridge under construction sustained damage due to the flooding, with iron rods and construction materials being swept away. Water also infiltrated homes in the Ambedkar Nagar area adjacent to the bridge.
Following intense rainfall in recent days, the reservoirs of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar on the outskirts of the city experienced heavy inflows. Authorities opened 24 gates to release floodwater downstream, with discharge rates escalating to 35,000 cusecs late Friday night, triggering the floods.
Officials noted that the Musi had not witnessed such flood levels in recent history. With rain continuing in upstream areas, the water level is expected to rise further.
The catastrophic floods in the Musi River of 1908 claimed approximately 15,000 lives, significantly altering the landscape of Hyderabad. In response, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the then Nizam of Hyderabad State, engaged engineer M. Visvesvaraya to construct the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs upstream to mitigate future flooding.
Point of View
The floods in Hyderabad underscore the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and urban planning. While the immediate response has been commendable, this incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban centers in the face of climate change and extreme weather events.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding at Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station?
The flooding was caused by a dramatic rise in the Musi River due to heavy rainfall and massive discharge from the Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs.
How many passengers were affected by the flooding?
Numerous passengers were trapped at the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station, with emergency teams conducting rescues to ensure their safety.
What measures are being taken to manage the flood situation?
Authorities have suspended bus services, diverted incoming routes, and launched rescue operations involving multiple emergency response teams.
What historical context is associated with the Musi floods?
The Musi floods of 1908 were catastrophic, resulting in around 15,000 deaths, which led to the construction of reservoirs to prevent future flooding.
What impact did the floods have on local infrastructure?
The floods severely impacted infrastructure, submerging roads and bridges, and damaging construction sites, thereby highlighting the vulnerability of urban areas.
