Heavy rain lashes Hyderabad with over 1,000 evacuated; River Musi in spate

PTC News Desk: Heavy rains flooded several parts of Hyderabad including the Old City with the River Musi overflowing prompting the authorities to open the flood gates at two overflowing major reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Nagar.

The heavy rain has put low-lying areas at risk, with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructing officials to evacuate people immediately. The residents in low-lying areas have been shifted to relief camps after swift evacuation. 

The Musi river’s swelling, fueled by heavy inflows from upstream catchments, sparked panic among residents and forced many to flee. Floodwaters have already inundated colonies along the riverbanks in Moosarambagh.

Concerns are growing over the stability of an under-construction bridge at Moosarambagh after the force of the current washed away its centering equipment. Meanwhile, floodwaters entered the Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS), halting bus services and leaving passengers stranded, who were later evacuated by authorities.

Chief Minister Reddy personally monitored the relief operations, staying in constant touch with officials through phone calls and directing them to ensure the safe evacuation of all trapped passengers. He also instructed that buses heading to MGBS be diverted to alternative routes.

With Dasara and Bathukamma festivities underway, the Chief Minister asked TGSRTC to take extra measures to help passengers reach their destinations without disruption.

Following the IMD’s forecast of continued heavy rains in Hyderabad, Reddy directed the police, traffic police, civic authorities, and power departments to stay on high alert and coordinate rescue and relief work in affected areas. He also ordered warning boards to be placed at all waterlogging hotspots and points where Musi’s water levels turned dangerous, while traffic diversions should be arranged with minimal inconvenience to commuters.