Orange Alert for Hyderabad: City braces for heavy rains after overnight downpour

Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Hyderabad, warning of moderate to heavy rain and thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds of 40-50 kmph throughout Friday. The warning comes as the city woke up to waterlogged streets and traffic snarls following significant overnight rainfall, particularly in its western suburbs.

According to the latest data from the Telangana Development Planning Society, the GHMC area received an average rainfall of 22.5 mm in the 24 hours ending at 7:00 AM on Friday. However, the rainfall was not uniform across the city. Circles in the western and southwestern parts, including Ramachandrapuram & Patancheru (Circle-22) and Chanda Nagar (Circle-21), received the highest cumulative rainfall, measuring 39.6 mm and 34.6 mm, respectively. These areas also experienced the most intense showers in the last hour of the reporting period, with current hour averages of 7.8 mm and 5.0 mm.

Data from individual rain gauges showed specific locations that bore the brunt of the showers. The Urban Health Centre in Hafeezpet topped the list with 49.0 mm of rain, followed by MMTS Lingampally (39.8 mm) and the DEO office in R.C. Puram (39.0 mm). Other areas, such as Gachibowli, KPHB, and those around BHEL, also reported rainfall between 34 and 38 mm, resulting in localized waterlogging.

City-Wide Status All 38 circles in the GHMC were classified under the 'Moderate' rainfall category, except for Circle-28 (Malkajgiri) and Circle-2 (Uppa), which were in the 'Light' category with 14.5 mm and 13.8 mm, respectively.

Impact-Based Forecast: What to Expect

Authorities have advised restricted movement and have urged the municipal corporation, traffic police, and disaster response forces to be on high alert to clear water, regulate traffic, and address any emergencies.

Hussainsagar levels rise

Due to ongoing rainfall, the water level in Hussain Sagar Lake has approached its Maximum Water Level (MWL). The latest reading shows the lake at 513.45 metres, four centimetres above its Full Tank Level (FTL) and 1.30 metres below the MWL. Authorities have increased outflows to manage the situation.

To prevent the water level from rising further and to ensure structural safety, the irrigation department is currently releasing water. The data shows outflows of 895 cusecs against inflows of 680 cusecs, indicating a controlled discharge to lower the lake level.

Wider Telangana on High Alert

The Orange Alert (Warning-07) extends beyond Hyderabad, with several districts in Telangana facing a threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Districts such as Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Mahabubabad, and others are warned of potential mudslides, damage to crops and property, and disruptions to transportation and essential services in hilly areas.

Satellite and radar imagery included in the weather bulletin confirm the presence of significant cloud systems over the region, supporting the forecast for intense rainfall activity.

Advisory for Citizens

Given the Orange Alert, citizens should avoid unnecessary travel, especially during heavy rain, and check traffic advisories before going out. Avoid waterlogged streets, stay clear of vulnerable structures, overhead power lines, and trees, and keep emergency contacts accessible.