MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Team Herald
Following scorching temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius in Telangana, heavy rains on Tuesday evening provided much-needed relief to residents, albeit accompanied by chaos and disruptions across Hyderabad. The heavy rainfall resulted in 32 reports of tree falls, with 18 incidents still being addressed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation's (GHMC) Disaster Management Wing.
Serilingampalle topped the rainfall charts with 13.3 cm, followed by Kukatpally, Bachupally, Secunderabad, and Khairatabad, which also experienced significant downpours, according to data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society.
Traffic congestion persisted well into the night, with major junctions and key roads, such as those from Ameerpet to Paradise and near Ikea Junction, experiencing bottlenecks due to water logging and fallen trees. Some commuters resorted to alternative modes of transport, like the metro, to navigate through the chaos.
Power outages remained a significant concern, with the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) reporting disruptions in various areas, including Kompally, Miralam, and Banjara Hills. Restoration efforts were underway, according to updates shared on social media platforms by the power utility.
While many welcomed the respite from the sweltering heat, concerns arose about the impact of the sudden downpour on the Indian Premier League match scheduled at Uppal Stadium in May. Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about the unforeseen challenges posed by the rain, highlighting the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
