Hyderabad, September 20 2024 :- Late on Friday evening, September 20, both Hyderabad and Secunderabad witnessed heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, offering much-needed relief after a scorching day. The sudden downpour, following a 10-day dry spell, left various parts of both cities waterlogged, causing major disruptions.
The rain, accompanied by strong winds, caught many by surprise. Popular weather enthusiast “Telangana Weatherman” had earlier predicted varied intensity of rain across the state, and the IMD Hyderabad forecasted moderate spells, with rainfall expected at 1-2 cm per hour.
In areas such as Ameerpet, Abids, Khairatabad , Lakdi ka pul, Mallepally and Vijaynagar colony in Hyderabad, as well as Tarnaka and Malkajgiri in Secunderabad, the streets turned into makeshift lakes. Residents in low-lying areas like Alwal, Begumpet, and Nampally reported water entering their homes. The city’s drainage systems struggled, with overflowing manholes posing a serious threat. In some places, like Panjagutta and Uppal, manhole covers rose above the street level due to water pressure, creating a dangerous situation. Residents have urged the GHMC to address these infrastructure challenges before any accidents occur.
While the rain provided respite from the heat, it also caused severe inconvenience. Commuters in areas like Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, and Secunderabad Railway Station faced challenges reaching their destinations due to flooded roads. Reports of power outages came from Sainikpuri, Old City, and Madhapur. Water seeped into metro stations, particularly in Miyapur and Paradise, compounding the difficulties for the public.
As Hyderabad and Secunderabad deal with the aftermath of the rain, authorities are working to restore normalcy. However, the storm has exposed the pressing need for better infrastructure in these twin cities.
