HYDERABAD: City may have to brace up for more misery as authorities at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and independent forecasting agency Skymet have put Hyderabad on alert, saying the worst was yet to come as heavy showers were expected on October 21-22.
People have been urged to move out of low-lying areas. While fresh flooding after Tuesday’s rain inundated streets near Naya Pul and Koti, there were heart-rending scenes across various areas as people struggled to survive in inundated houses with virtually no resources.
“Heavy rains will lash many parts of Hyderabad in the next two days, especially during evening/night hours due to a low-pressure over the central Bay of Bengal which is likely to turn into a deep depression by Wednesday,” said Naga Ratna, in-charge director, IMD, Hyderabad, which has sounded an orange alert for many parts of Telangana.
The IMD attributed continued rainfall activity in Hyderabad to an east-west trough running across Telangana associated with a fresh low-pressure area formed due to a cyclonic circulation over Bay of Bengal. There was a sharp drop in mercury level to 22 degree Celsius in an hour due to intense rainfall and strong winds in parts of the city.
Skymet warned officials not to lower their guards now as the lakes were full to the brim. “A few moderate spells accompanied with isolated heavy rain may further deteriorate the situation for Hyderabad,” warned Skymet.
The government too intensified its rescue and relief operations in many areas. While Telangana officials handed over relief cheques to flood-affected people, crores were contributed by politicians and celebrities to the Telangana chief minister’s relief fund.
Responding to the Telangana government’s call, Indian army flood relief teams too began rescue work. “Nine flood relief teams with boats are on standby to be launched immediately if required. Additional teams and boats will be sent as per the situation,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) cleared 8,293 tons of garbage from all zones of which 4,782 tons was removed from Charminar zone alone.