Heavy rain triggers traffic chaos, waterlogging in Hyderabad

Heavy rain has triggered traffic chaos and waterlogging in several parts of Hyderabad, with the IMD forecasting further rain for Wednesday.

Jayashankar district recorded Telangana’s highest rainfall on Tuesday at 196 mm, while Musheerabad saw Hyderabad’s highest tally at 54.5 mm, with Shaikpet, Tirumalagiri, Golkonda and Khairatabad also recording notable rain.

Waterlogging was reported at Madhapur, Gachibowli, Miyapur, Krishna Nagar, the Hyderabad Central University campus, and railway bridges in Raniganj and Secunderabad.

The IMD has forecast heavy rain with thunderstorms, lightning and squalls for Wednesday, issuing a yellow alert for all districts and a specific yellow alert for Cyberabad.

HYDRAA’s Disaster Response Force teams were pressed into service to clear waterlogged roads and remove fallen tree branches in affected areas.

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Joel Davis conducted field inspections at major waterlogging points, including Lakdikapul, Ayodhya Junction and PTI Masab Tank, reviewing drainage arrangements and traffic regulation.

Traffic police advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours, drive slowly, avoid waterlogged stretches and plan for additional travel time.

Motorists were also asked to follow instructions from traffic personnel and stay updated through official advisories as the rain persisted.

GHMC has also released an emergency helpline, 9000113667, for residents to report waterlogging and other disruptions linked to the rain.

Officials have additionally urged residents of low-lying and flood-prone colonies to remain watchful and move to safer areas if water levels climb quickly.

HYDRAA was established by the Telangana government in July 2024 and has jurisdiction over the GHMC area along with Rangareddy, Medchal Malkajgiri and Sangareddy districts up to the Outer Ring Road, working through separate wings for disaster management, asset protection and logistics support.

Hyderabad’s low-lying areas and ageing stormwater drainage network have made the city particularly prone to waterlogging during periods of intense monsoon rainfall in recent years.

(Image: Photo by Mohammed Mubashir, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)