Heavy Rains Batter Telangana

Hyderabad, Nalgonda: Two women died on Monday due to a lightning strike in Jaggaram village, Dammapet mandal. The victims, Sunnam Anusha, 23, and Kattam Nagashree, 23, were struck while working in an agricultural field. Another worker Madakam Sitamma sustained injuries and has been hospitalised. Kothagudem and Khammam districts also experienced heavy to moderate rains, with the highest rainfall of 8.3 cm recorded at Mandalapalli.

Hyderabad and several parts of Telangana have been battered by heavy rains due to a low-pressure system formed in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the downpours are expected to continue until September 26. The incessant rains have already caused significant disruption, including waterlogged roads and traffic congestion.

In Hyderabad, areas such as Secunderabad, Begumpet, Uppal, Nacharam, Ramanthapur and Boduppal experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in traffic snarls and making commuting a challenge. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) recorded significant rainfall in several circles. Hayathnagar witnessed the highest cumulative average rainfall of 61.7 mm, followed by LB Nagar with 29.9 mm and Uppal with 39.2 mm. Other areas like Secunderabad and Musheerabad recorded 21.8 mm and 17.2 mm respectively. The GHMC has classified the rainfall in these areas as moderate.

Hyderabad's inner roads and low-lying areas faced severe waterlogging, leading to extensive traffic jams in key locations such as the Inner Ring Road, Koti, and LB Nagar. Many educational institutions remained closed, and examinations were postponed in anticipation of continued rain.

The traffic police have advised commuters to drive carefully and avoid waterlogged areas. Emergency measures have been activated, with the GHMC and Hyderabad Traffic Police coordinating efforts to clear waterlogged areas and assist stranded commuters.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in flood-prone areas. Local officials have been instructed to keep pumping equipment on standby and ensure that drainage systems are functioning efficiently.

In the last 24 hours, Telangana has experienced heavy to moderate rainfall in various districts. The Telangana Development Planning Society’s report indicates that Nalgonda district received the highest rainfall of 125.3 mm at Kamareddigudem, followed by 115.8 mm in Jangaon’s Devaryapupula and 100 mm in Damarcherla.

The southern and north-eastern regions of the state, particularly Rangareddy, Mahbubnagar and Khammam, have also been significantly affected.

The IMD has issued alerts for the next 48 hours, with predictions of thunderstorms and lightning in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Vikarabad, Yadadri-Bhongir, Sangareddy, Karimnagar, Siddipet and Medak districts. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid venturing out unless necessary. Those engaged in agricultural activities have been advised to seek shelter in safe places and avoid standing under trees or in open fields. With the forecast of continued rainfall, residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The IMD has also indicated that wind speeds could reach 40-50 kmph in some areas, exacerbating the risk of fallen trees and power outages.