IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall in Telangana

Hyderabad: Telangana witnessed a deluge on Thursday, as heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lashed through Hyderabad, disrupting daily life with downpours exceeding 65.5mm. The rain, starting around 3 pm, inundated the city, leading to waterlogging and traffic snarls. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) recorded significant rainfall in various localities: Venkateshwara Colony, Banjara Hills (87.5 mm), Malakpet Millath Comm Hall (85.0 mm), and Begum Bazaar Doodh Khana UHC (83.0 mm). Additional noteworthy measurements include Yousufguda HMWS, Krishnanagar (79.5 mm), Golkonda Tasil office, Langer Houz (76.8 mm), Asmangadh (74.5 mm), and CMTC Premises, Banjara Hills (73.5 mm), as per Telangana State Development Society (TSDPS).

Across Telangana, there was light to moderate rainfall in various districts. Hyderabad experienced moderate rainfall with an average cumulative of 46.9 mm. Other districts recorded light to very light rainfall, including Medchal-Malkajgiri (28.3 mm), Rangareddy (11.7 mm), Siddipet (10.8 mm), and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri (5.9 mm). The state remains under a yellow alert for heavy rainfall until May 20.

While the rains brought relief from the scorching heat, they also brought chaos. Waterlogging and traffic congestion plagued many parts of the city. Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams were deployed to manage waterlogging and restore traffic flow, particularly around the Nayani Narasimha Reddy steel bridge and Tolichowki.

Residents were cautioned by IMD personnel to avoid seeking shelter under trees due to falling branches and to steer clear of electric poles and wires. Power outages and internet disruptions added to the inconvenience. Incidents of uprooted trees and waterlogging compounded commuting difficulties, with main roads and underpasses submerged. Emergency services received numerous calls, underscoring the strain on infrastructure during extreme weather.

Helpline numbers (040-21111111 and 9000113667) were issued for GHMC-DRF assistance. Efforts are underway to address overflowing drains and pump out water from the worst-affected areas. With more rain forecasted, authorities are on high alert to mitigate further disruptions.

The heavy rainfall has posed challenges for Rabi farmers, affecting the harvest of wheat, barley, and mustard. Concerns loom over crop quality and yield due to unseasonal rains and erratic weather patterns. IMD forecasts light to moderate thunderstorms on Friday, with a yellow alert issued for continuous rainfall in Hyderabad over the next four days. Significant rainfall is expected in south and central Telangana until May 19, with peak intensity anticipated on May 17 and 18, accompanied by a drop in temperatures to around 35 degrees Celsius in the city.