Evening rain catches Hyderabad commuters off guard
- Evening rain caused waterlogging in low-lying areas of Hyderabad
- Traffic moved at a crawl on major roads, with commuters stuck for hours
- No casualties reported; civic authorities deployed pumps to clear water
Hyderabad saw a sudden spell of heavy rain on Monday evening, catching commuters off guard and throwing traffic into chaos. The downpour, which began around 5 pm, lasted for nearly an hour, leaving many parts of the city waterlogged.
Low-lying areas bore the brunt of the rain. Roads in localities such as Ameerpet, Begumpet, and Panjagutta quickly turned into shallow ponds. Vehicles crawled through knee-deep water, and several motorists abandoned their two-wheelers on the roadside.
Traffic snarls across the city
Major intersections saw long queues of vehicles. The stretch from Punjagutta to Ameerpet, usually busy at this hour, became a parking lot. Office-goers returning home found themselves stuck for over an hour.
Commuters took to social media to vent their frustration. Many posted photos and videos of waterlogged roads and jammed traffic. Some reported waiting for buses for over 45 minutes as services ran late due to the rain.
Waterlogging hits low-lying pockets
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) deployed teams to pump out water from affected areas. Officials said the situation was under control by 7 pm, with most roads cleared for traffic.
Residents of colonies near the Musi river and other low-lying zones said water entered their streets but receded quickly. No major damage or casualties have been reported so far.
Met department forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had predicted light to moderate rain in the city for Monday. However, the intensity of the evening spell took many by surprise. Officials said the rain was caused by a trough over the Bay of Bengal.
More rain is likely in the coming days, the IMD has warned. The department has advised commuters to plan their travel accordingly and avoid waterlogged areas.
Civic authorities say they are on alert. Pumps and rescue teams have been kept ready in case of heavier downpours. Residents are urged to call the GHMC helpline if waterlogging persists in their area.
The city is expected to see more rain on Tuesday evening. Commuters are advised to carry umbrellas and allow extra time for travel.