HYDERABAD: Heavy overnight rainfall in Hyderabad forced authorities to open the gates of the Himayat Sagar reservoir on Friday, resulting in the Musi River overflowing near Chaderghat Bridge. The incident led to traffic chaos, evacuations, and flooding across several low-lying areas, with residents advised to remain indoors until the situation stabilises.
Musi River overflows, traffic blocked at Chaderghat Bridge
The Musi River crossed its danger mark after gates of the Himayat Sagar reservoir were opened to release excess water. As a precautionary measure, traffic movement near Chaderghat Bridge was suspended, leading to long snarls on connecting roads. Over 1,000 residents from adjoining low-lying areas were shifted to safer locations late Friday night.
The overflowing river caused waterlogging in several neighbourhoods, with parts of Mithila Nagar Colony in Meerpet Municipal Corporation, Rangareddy District, witnessing severe inundation. Several homes reported floodwater entering their premises, leaving residents struggling to protect essential belongings.
Relief operations and safety measures
The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, directed the administration to remain on high alert as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy rainfall for the next 48 hours. In response, district collectors were asked to carry out immediate flood-risk assessments and shift residents from vulnerable zones to relief shelters.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed that departments across the state had been instructed to coordinate relief and rescue efforts. The Electricity Department was tasked with ensuring uninterrupted power supply while also removing dangling electric wires to prevent accidents. In addition, causeways and waterlogged roads were ordered shut to avoid vehicular mishaps.
Educational institutions and holiday advisories
With schools and colleges on Dussehra holidays, officials have advised educational institutions to remain vigilant in case classes resume amidst the ongoing weather alert. Parents were urged to avoid sending children outdoors until conditions improve. Citizens were similarly requested to restrict non-essential travel and avoid venturing into flood-prone stretches of the city.
Emergency teams on standby
To tackle emergencies, teams from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Advancement (HYDRAA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been kept on standby. These units are equipped to handle evacuation, rescue, and relief operations round the clock.
Authorities also opened dedicated helplines for residents in distress. Several control rooms have been set up across the city to address complaints of flooding, fallen trees, and power outages.
Public response and support initiatives
Meanwhile, citizens and celebrities alike stepped forward to express solidarity with the flood-affected. Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan took to social media to raise awareness about the plight of Hyderabad residents, urging people to support relief efforts. Local NGOs and volunteers have also begun distributing food packets and essentials to those relocated to shelters.
Outlook for Hyderabad
Meteorologists have warned that heavy rainfall could persist over the weekend, prompting officials to maintain heightened preparedness. The combination of full reservoirs, saturated ground, and continuous rainfall has heightened the flood threat across parts of Hyderabad and its outskirts.
Residents are advised to track official updates, avoid misinformation on social media, and contact authorities in case of emergencies. While the government’s prompt measures have helped prevent casualties so far, the situation remains fluid, and further rainfall could aggravate flooding in low-lying colonies.
In conclusion, Hyderabad is bracing for two more days of intense rainfall, with disaster management teams working tirelessly to mitigate risks. The state administration has reassured citizens that all possible efforts are being made to ensure safety and restore normalcy at the earliest.