Heavy downpour leads to traffic snarls

HYDERABAD: A spell of heavy rain resulted in water-logging in parts of the west zone leading to major traffic congestion on Friday evening.

The city received a brief spell of heavy rain from 3 pm onwards, which affected traffic in several areas. Traffic jams were reported at Punjagutta, Ameerpet, Irrum Manzil, Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, Masab Tank and Assembly Junction.

An advisory issued by the joint commissioner of police, traffic, around 5.30 pm stated, “Due to heavy water-logging at Chikoti Gardens, there is heavy traffic congestion between Begumpet HPS and CTO Junction and Secunderabad Parade Grounds. Public are requested to avoid the route for the next one hour.” The traffic was cleared later by 7 pm.

Netizens also flagged heavy water-logging at other places including RTC X Roads and NH 65 near National Deer Park, Vanasthalipuram. A video tweeted by a user showed a crane carrying three men and a child in Dammaiguda over a street where a large volume of water was flowing rapidly. Another video showed Hussainsagar overflowing near the Tank Bund and flooding an adjacent park.

According to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, as of 6 pm, two gates of Osmansagar were opened to a height of 4 feet, while one gate of Himayatsagar was opened for 1 feet. The level of Osmansagar and Himayatsagar at the time were 1,786.55 feet (3.125 tmc ft) and 1,760.80 feet (2.408 tmc ft).

Due to the rains, momentary breakdowns led to power disruptions in four divisions – Saifabad, Rethibowli, Banjara Hills and Bowenpally.