Amidst scorching temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius in Telangana, a sudden deluge on Tuesday evening brought much-needed respite to Hyderabad denizens, though accompanied by urban disruptions of significant magnitude.
The torrential downpour, a welcome reprieve from the relentless heat, plunged the city into chaos, manifesting in traffic gridlocks, power outages, and uprooted trees. According to data released by the Telangana State Development Planning Society, Serilingampalle emerged as the most inundated locale, recording a staggering 13.3 cm of rainfall, closely trailed by Kukatpally, Bachupally, Secunderabad, and Khairatabad. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Wing swung into action to address 32 reports of tree collapses, with 18 incidents still undergoing mitigation efforts. The aftermath of the downpour wreaked havoc on the city’s thoroughfares, with major intersections and arterial roads, including those traversing from Ameerpet to Paradise and the vicinity of Ikea Junction, witnessing inundation and obstruction due to waterlogging and fallen foliage. Some commuters sought refuge in alternative transportation modes, such as the metro, amidst the vehicular standstill.
In tandem, the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited grappled with power disruptions in various localities, notably Kompally, Miralam, and Banjara Hills. Restoration initiatives were promptly initiated, as evidenced by updates disseminated across social media channels by the utility provider. While the populace welcomed relief from the sweltering climate, apprehensions loomed regarding the potential ramifications on the upcoming Indian Premier League fixture scheduled at Uppal Stadium in May. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions, underscoring the city’s susceptibility to erratic weather phenomena and the consequential operational challenges posed thereby.
