Hyderabad weather: Heavy rain brings city to standstill as waterlogging triggers travel advisory

Heavy rain floods Hyderabad streets, disrupts traffic.

Hyderabad was thrown into disarray on Monday after a prolonged spell of heavy rainfall led to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion across multiple neighbourhoods. Authorities responded with urgent advisories, reporting that the extremity of the downpour prompted the Telangana Integrated Command and Control Centre to call on residents to remain indoors and venture out only if absolutely necessary.

The city’s streets transformed into waterlogged corridors, forcing motorists to cautiously navigate through several inundated zones. Hyderabad Police, in collaboration with Disaster Response Force (DRF) personnel, worked throughout the evening to regulate traffic flow and clear the worst-hit routes, aiming to restore some semblance of order even as the rain continued to fall.

According to Deccan Chronicle, “Due to heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging across Hyderabad city, commuters are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary for the next two hours,” stated the official advisory.

Neighbourhoods such as Mahadevapuram bore the brunt, with the Telangana Development Planning Society noting an astonishing 151.5mm of rainfall at the GHMC Ward office. CMTC premises in Banjara Hills and Yousufguda Zonal Commissioner office weren’t far behind, recording 124.5 mm and 117 mm respectively between 8.30 am and 7 pm, as reported by NDTV.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting further volatility, Hyderabad and its surroundings remain on high alert. Officials warned that thunderstorms, accompanied by gusty winds (30–40 kmph) and lightning, are very likely at isolated places throughout the state, with expectations of more heavy rainfall between 8.30 am on August 6 and 8.30 am on August 8.

Districts including Medchal Malkajigiri, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet and Jogulamba Gadwal were especially highlighted for potential risk.

Taking stock of the escalating crisis, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy instructed district collectors and officials from all departments to maintain heightened vigilance and be available around the clock. He pressed local authorities to work jointly, ensuring periodic reviews and taking every precaution to avoid both property damage and loss of life during the spells of intense rainfall. Officials have also been instructed to be available round-the-clock in the districts to deal with any situation arising due to the rains and provide relief to the affected people, the Chief Minister underscored in the statement.