Drizzle to deluge? Heavy rains on cards today, orange alert for Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: Heavy rains with intense spells have been predicted for the city on Tuesday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) which issued an orange alert for Hyderabad. The warning was issued after the city saw a steady spell of light to moderate rains on Monday.

The highest rainfall in the city was recorded at Miyapur (51.8mm). While the intensity in Hyderabad on Monday was not much, persistent rains lead to widespread traffic jams and slowdowns in key areas of the city. The traffic police reported slowdowns at JNTU, Madhapur, Begumpet, Paradise among other areas.

In districts the rainfall levels were higher. As of 9pm on Monday, Kamareddy saw the highest rainfall of 104.8mm. Parts of districts were crippled because of the rains, especially Vikarabad, where roads were inundated throwing life out of gear. According to IMD, the cyclonic circulation over northeast Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a low-pressure area, attracting more rains in the region. Owing to its influence, almost all districts in the state, barring Narayanpet, Gadwal Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool have been issued orange and yellow alerts.

Take preventive measures: HC to state

Telangana high court directed state to take long-term steps to save lives and property during heavy rains. A bench of Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N V Shravan Kumar was hearing a PIL for flood victims filed by activist Cheruku Sudhakar Petitioner's counsel Chikkudu Prabhakar that informed the bench that one victim Gaddam Mahalakshmi -- who went missing during floods -- is still untraceable. Officials received a call on Sunday stating the 55-year-old had fallen into Musi river nala. "We deployed 100 staff for a manhunt. We also deployed drones to capture videos but no clues yet," said N Prakash Reddy, director, EVDM.