Normal life in Hyderabad was completely disrupted on Friday as persistent rain, triggered by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, lashed Telangana since last night.
Major thoroughfares were waterlogged, traffic came to a standstill on partially submerged roads, and several areas faced power cuts.
With the IMD issuing an orange alert for the next 48 hours, Cyberabad Police advised IT firms to shift to work-from-home (WFH) mode and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
The inauguration of Bathukamma Kunta (lake) at Amberpet by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was postponed due to the downpour. Several houses in low-lying areas were inundated, along with the ENT Hospital at Koti.
NH-65 was flooded near Patancheru, while service roads on both sides of the Outer Ring Road were submerged after water was released from Himayatsagar and Osmansagar.
Heavy rainfall in catchment areas such as Vikarabad, Chevella, and Shankarpalli led to rising outflows from the twin reservoirs. Ten floodgates of Osman Sagar were lifted to release 10,000 cusecs of water, while another 11,000 cusecs were released from Himayat Sagar.
Around 55 people living along the banks of the Musi River were evacuated after water levels rose downstream. The rising waters of Hussain Sagar also inundated nearby homes and streets, while the road between Purana Pul and Ziaguda in the Old City was completely submerged.
The incessant rainfall has also dampened festive celebrations, with Hyderabad simultaneously observing Navratri, Durga Puja, and the local Bathukamma flower festival.
More rain has been forecast, especially in northern and eastern Telangana. However, schools and educational institutions remain closed for the festive season, offering some respite to families.