Heavy rains waterlog Hyderabad; IMD warns more Friday.
Several parts of Hyderabad experienced heavy traffic snarls on Thursday evening as continuous rains left major roads waterlogged.
Hyderabad: A spell of heavy rain battered Hyderabad on Thursday evening, September 18, bringing the bustling city to a grinding halt. For several hours, the downpour paralyzed traffic, left many low-lying areas submerged, and forced commuters to wade through ankle-deep to knee-deep water.
By nightfall, waterlogging was reported across large swathes of the city, especially in neighborhoods known to flood easily during monsoons. Roads near LB Nagar, Malakpet, Banjara Hills, and parts of Kukatpally were submerged, causing severe inconvenience for motorists. Those heading home after work were left stranded for long stretches, stuck in gridlocked traffic that in some places barely moved for over an hour.
“I left my office in Hitec City at 6:30 p.m., but it took me nearly two hours to reach my home in Madhapur, which is usually a 20-minute ride,” said Vinay Kumar, a software engineer. “Most of the main roads were choked with traffic and waterlogging made it even worse.”
Videos circulating on social media showed two-wheelers breaking down in stagnant water, with riders forced to push their vehicles along flooded stretches. In several places, autos and cabs refused to ply, leaving commuters to walk long distances. For many residents, it was a grim reminder of how quickly the city comes to a standstill during a heavy spell of rain.
The downpour on ThursdayThe rain began late in the evening and continued steadily for a few hours, pounding several parts of the city. Though short-lived, the intensity of the showers was enough to overwhelm Hyderabad’s already-stretched drainage system. Areas like Begumpet, Ameerpet, and Dilsukhnagar reported pools of water on the roads. Pedestrians struggled to navigate slippery footpaths while families living in ground-floor apartments in low-lying colonies scrambled to keep water from entering their homes.
“This is not the first time our street has turned into a nala (drain). Every heavy rain, we face the same problem,” complained Saroja, a resident of Malakpet, as she tried to drain water from her compound.
IMD forecasts more rainThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) Hyderabad has warned that Thursday’s showers are not the end. According to its forecast, the city is likely to experience more rains on Friday evening. A yellow alert has been issued, valid until September 22, cautioning residents about the possibility of intense downpours during this period.
“The city is under the influence of active monsoon conditions, with moisture-laden winds feeding into Telangana. Isolated heavy to very heavy rains are expected,” an IMD official said.
For city residents, the alert is both a warning and a call to prepare. Civic authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel during peak rain hours and to report severe waterlogging incidents through the GHMC control room.
Impact on daily lifeThursday’s downpour not only slowed down traffic but also disrupted evening markets. At Mehdipatnam, vendors were seen covering their carts with plastic sheets as rainwater flowed into the lanes. “Business is impossible on days like this,” said Ramesh, a fruit seller. “People don’t stop to buy anything. Everyone is in a hurry to get home.”
School children returning from evening classes also bore the brunt of the rains. Parents anxiously waited outside tuition centers and bus stops as vehicles arrived late due to snarls. Many families reported power cuts in their areas, adding to the inconvenience.
Despite the chaos, there were also lighter moments. Some youngsters were spotted enjoying the showers at Necklace Road, taking selfies in the rain-soaked backdrop of Hussain Sagar. “Yes, the roads are bad, but monsoon in Hyderabad always has its charm,” said Priya, a college student.
Looking aheadWith the IMD’s yellow alert in place until September 22, Hyderabadis are bracing for more wet days. Authorities say they are keeping emergency teams on standby to respond to flooding and fallen trees. Meanwhile, residents are hoping the city’s drainage system can cope with what lies ahead.
For now, Thursday’s rains have once again exposed how fragile the city’s infrastructure is when faced with heavy monsoon showers. While many spent the night battling traffic or clearing water from their homes, others were left reflecting on the irony of a modern IT hub still struggling with the same seasonal woes year after year.