Three Dead as Torrential Rains Cause Urban Flooding in Hyderabad

News Desk

Hyderabad: At least three people lost their lives and three others were injured on Monday as a sudden cloudburst brought torrential rains to Hyderabad and its adjoining areas, triggering severe urban flooding and widespread disruption.

According to Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abideen, intense rainfall lasting over 90 minutes inundated key areas including Latifabad, Qasimabad, and Tandojam. Streets and residential neighborhoods were submerged under several feet of water, paralyzing daily life and straining emergency services.

Floodwaters entered homes, hospitals, and public buildings, while access between Hyderabad and Qasimabad was cut off after water accumulated beneath the railway bridge in Latifabad. The situation worsened as around 350 electricity feeders tripped across the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) network, causing prolonged power outages and hindering drainage efforts.

“We’ve issued an alert and are working to activate pumping stations to clear the water,” said the deputy commissioner. He added that the Irrigation Department had been instructed to reduce the water level in the Phuleli Canal to zero to facilitate drainage. Due to the blackout, generators are currently being used to power pumps.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported 53mm of rainfall in city areas and 50mm at the airport. In nearby Tando Allahyar, strong winds and heavy rain led to water entering homes in low-lying areas, causing distress among residents as water stagnation persisted.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the crisis and directed Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro to expedite relief efforts. A spokesperson said the chief minister also asked the provincial energy minister to coordinate with HESCO to restore power at key pumping stations.

Mayor Shoro briefed the chief minister on the delay in drainage operations, citing the prolonged power outage as a major obstacle. Efforts are ongoing to restore electricity and normalize the situation in the flood-hit areas.