HYDERABAD: A sudden cloudburst on Monday unleashed over 90 minutes of intense downpours across Hyderabad and surrounding regions, leaving three people dead and three others injured, officials confirmed.
The heavy rainfall caused urban flooding in multiple areas including Latifabad, Qasimabad, and Tandojam, with streets and residential neighbourhoods submerged under several feet of water. The Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abideen stated that emergency alerts were issued, and water had entered both homes and hospitals, putting significant strain on rescue services.
Floodwaters under the railway bridge in Latifabad also severed road connectivity between Hyderabad and Qasimabad, worsening the disruption.
The Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) reported that nearly 350 power feeders tripped, leading to widespread electricity outages that significantly hampered dewatering efforts. To mitigate the situation, generators were deployed to power drainage systems.
In response, the Irrigation Department was directed to bring the Phuleli Canal’s water level down to zero to aid drainage, the DC added.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 53mm of rainfall in Hyderabad city and 50mm at the airport, marking the downpour as one of the heaviest in recent weeks.
Nearby Tando Allahyar also experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds. Low-lying areas faced waterlogging, leaving residents trapped and dealing with stagnant water in their homes.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the situation and reached out to Hyderabad Mayor Kashif Shoro, instructing him to ensure immediate drainage operations. The CM also directed the provincial energy minister to coordinate with HESCO to expedite electricity restoration to essential pumping stations.
Mayor Shoro briefed the chief minister that the delayed drainage was primarily due to ongoing power outages in several flood-hit localities.
