Hyderabad: Rains play havoc with citizens

Hyderabad, Sept.22: Woes of denizens of the capital city of Telangana State have increased with torrential rain this afternoon. The rain, under the influence of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal, lashed several areas across the State and city also experienced heavy rain for over one-and-a-half hour this afternoon caused exasperated vehicular traffic jam at Lakdi-ka-pool, Punjagutta, Ameerpet, Begumpet, Puranapul, Alwal, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Nampally, Narayanguda, and Kukatpally. Within half-an-hour, many localities in the city recorded 2 cm rainfall and West Marredpalli, and Chilkalguda recorded 3 cm rainfall. The capital city of Hyderabad, which experienced heavy rain in the last two days, threw normal life out of gear. Today’s rains for over half-an-hour added to the woes of the citizens. The State government and the GHMC authorities were forced to advise the citizens not to venture out on the road following weather forecast of heavy to very heavy rain in next 48 hours. Meanwhile, Municipal Administration Minister K Taraka Ramarao today visited most affected areas in the city following heavy rain last night. Accompanied by Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, GHMC Commissioner Janardhan Reddy and others, the minister visited Mayur Marg, Allamthotabavi and other areas. As per Weather Office, Hyderabad has received 27mm rainfall in six hours. This could bring the disaster rescue operation in the city to a standstill thereby increasing their difficulties as well. During last 24 hours from 08.30 am on Wednesday, Nizamabad received 42.4 mm rainfall while some moderate showers were also observed over Ramagundam which has recorded rainfall of 24.8 mm. The capital city of Telangana also recorded 10 mm rainfall. The residents of the Hyderabad remained awake throughout the night with the flooded streets and the vehicles floating in the flood waters. The capital city was flooded with rainfall ranging from 106 mm to 164 mm that too in a span of just two hours. Roads have transformed into rivers and water levels in the Hussainsagar and other lakes increased rapidly. As per the weatherman, rains started pouring over parts of the state capital at around 10 pm on Tuesday and picked up the pace during midnight. Since then rains in varied intensity have been making their appearance over Hyderabad and other districts of Telangana. In fact, these incessant showers forced the National Disaster Response Force to step in as well against any rescue that might be required. Most of the government and private schools were also shut due to incessant showers. According to weather bulletin, rains are likely to be intensified due to the low-pressure area which will further increase the rain intensity.