Have Heavy Rains Brought Hyderabad to a Standstill?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hyderabad faced significant rainfall leading to severe flooding.
- Authorities issued alerts and provided alternative routes for commuters.
- Disaster management teams are on standby to respond to emergencies.
- Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe.
- The water levels in reservoirs are being monitored closely.
Hyderabad, Aug 7 (NationPress) Heavy rainfall battered Hyderabad on Thursday, resulting in the flooding of roads and low-lying regions, effectively paralyzing the city, prompting authorities to issue a warning.
The torrential downpour created a flood-like scenario in various parts of the city, causing severe traffic congestion in the information technology corridor.
Multiple areas, including central Hyderabad, Secunderabad, IT zones, and the outskirts faced inundation, with nearly 10 cm of rain recorded in a short span of one hour.
Reports indicated that two-wheelers were swept away in some locations, and numerous homes experienced flooding.
Tech professionals returning from offices in Madhapur and Gachibowli found themselves ensnared in traffic jams lasting four to five hours.
Due to waterlogging at Malkam Cheruvu, police advised commuters to steer clear of the Bio Diversity to Shaikpet route and take the alternate path via IKEA and Cable Bridge.
HYDRAA Commissioner A. V. Ranganath, along with other officials, assessed the waterlogged areas. Cyberabad and Hyderabad police were actively working on the streets late Thursday to control the situation.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, currently in Delhi, reached out to officials amidst the intense rainfall and predictions of additional downpours. He communicated with Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, Director General of Police Jitender, and other officials, instructing them to be fully prepared.
The Chief Minister also mandated that disaster management teams remain on standby to address any emergencies promptly.
Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao conducted a teleconference with senior officials from the Police Command Control Room to assess the situation. He urged officials to implement strict preventive measures to avert any loss of life or property.
He noted that some parts of the city recorded rainfall amounts reaching 12 cm. He emphasized the need for authorities to concentrate on traffic management and waterlogging, particularly in the IT corridors.
He stressed that the GHMC should act quickly to prevent public disruption and advised citizens to limit travel unless absolutely necessary. He also cautioned the public against opening manhole covers and standing near electric poles during storms.
In the meantime, one gate of the Himayat Sagar reservoir was opened Thursday night to manage the rising water levels due to significant inflows.
Officials from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) reported that continuous rainfall in upstream regions over the last few days has led to increased water levels in Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar reservoirs along the Musi River.
As a safety precaution, a gate of Himayat Sagar was raised by one foot to release water downstream. Authorities issued alerts for areas along the Musi River.
HMWSSB Managing Director Ashok Reddy instructed officials, along with departments in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts, HYDRAA, GHMC, and police, to coordinate effectively and maintain a heightened state of alert as water is released downstream.
According to HMWSSB, the water level in Himayat Sagar currently stands at 1762.70 feet, nearing the Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 1763.50 feet.