Heavy rains lashed Hyderabad today, causing widespread disruption across the city.
Several areas were inundated with rainwater flooding streets and city roads resembled ponds due to the torrential downpour. Traffic came to a halt in several areas.
The central city zone was submerged, with traffic coming to a complete standstill on the Tank Bund - Secretariat route. Waterlogging severely affected areas including Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, Himayatnagar and Narayanaguda. Vehicles were stuck for kilometres on the Telugu Thalli and Narayanaguda flyovers. Vehicular movement was also severely affected on the Himayatnagar-Narayanaguda route.
Stagnant rainwater under the Khairatabad Metro Station disrupted vehicular movement on the Khairatabad-Panjagutta route, too. A private school located behind the Water Board office was submerged, leaving hundreds of students stranded.
Manholes overflowed at dangerous levels, further aggravating the situation. The GHMC toll-free number received a flood of complaints.
In response, HYDRA teams were deployed to low-lying areas including Narayanaguda, Himayatnagar, Somajiguda, Panjagutta and Khairatabad for relief operations. Boats were also prepared to assist in rescue and evacuation efforts. The GHMC deployed 350 monsoon response teams, and relief operations were launched on a war footing. The GHMC Commissioner issued instructions directing all officials to be present in the field and actively participate in relief and rescue efforts.