Heavy rains cause disruptions in Hyderabad and Nagarkurnool

Hyderabad: Heavy rains lashed Hyderabad on Thursday evening, triggering widespread power outages, severe waterlogging, and even a section of plaster falls off from the minaret of historic Charminar. Several districts in Telangana also bore the brunt of the untimely showers, with casualties reported due to lightning strikes.

Chaos across Telangana

In Nagarkurnool district, two women — Eedamma (55) and Saidamma (35) —were killed after being struck by lightning while working in the fields in Kodonipalli village of Padara mandal. Another woman, Sukari Lakshmamma, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a govt hospital. Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning pounded the district, with Mahbubnagar, Asifabad, Kamareddy, Nizamabad, and Medchal also experiencing intense downpours.

Narayanpur in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district recorded the highest rainfall in Telangana at 97.8 mm, followed by Himayatnagar (91 mm), Charminar (90 mm), and Saroornagar (89.5 mm) in Hyderabad, according to the Telangana Development Planning Society. Other affected areas in the city included Musheerabad (84.5 mm), Nampally (84 mm), and Amberpet (82.8 mm), leading to severe flooding and traffic disruptions.

A small section of plaster of a minaret of the iconic Charminar collapsed due to relentless rain. Caretakers reported hearing a loud noise around 6 pm as the structure gave way. Authorities quickly cordoned off the area and urged the public to maintain distance.

"The rain was relentless, and we suspect water seepage weakened the structure. The pillar above the temple and the minaret facing Laad Bazaar are also vulnerable," said a monument staff member.

Waterlogging, power woes

Several localities, including Balapur, Falaknuma, and Malakpet, saw knee-deep water accumulation. Residents struggled as floodwaters entered homes, compounded by widespread power cuts.

"It was impossible to step out. Water started seeping into homes, and power failures made things worse," said K Lavanya, a resident of Borabanda.

In Banjara Hills, where 78 mm of rain was recorded, roads turned into virtual rivers, leaving commuters stranded. "I had to wait for nearly an hour before I could wade through the water," said Pavani S, a product designer who got stuck on her way home.

Power outages were reported in multiple areas, including Mehdipatnam, Uppal, and Saroornagar, affecting thousands of residents. GHMC's disaster response teams were deployed to clear waterlogged roads and restore traffic movement.

In response to the flooding, HMWSSB managing director Ashok Reddy directed emergency response teams to stay on high alert. Warning boards were placed near open manholes, and sewerage supervisors were deployed to prevent accidents. "Residents must not open manhole covers under any circumstances," he cautioned in an official statement.