Fatal Floods in Hyderabad as Three Victims are Swept Away by Nalas during Heavy Rains

September 14, 2025

Hyderabad, India – A day of intense rainfall turned tragic on Sunday as three people were washed away in rapidly flowing water across the city.The incidents occurred as heavy monsoon rains overwhelmed drainage systems and caused water levels in local streams and canals to rise dangerously.

Family Members Among Those Affected

Authorities Confirmed that an uncle and nephew, identified as Arjun and Ram, both in their mid-twenties, were swept away while attempting to cross Afzal Sagar in the Asif Nagar area. Emergency services were immediately alerted,and a search operation was launched to locate the two missing individuals.

Separate Incident in musheerabad

in a separate event, a young man named Sunny, 24, was carried away by floodwaters in the Vinoda Nagar locality of Musheerabad. Reports indicate that Sunny was sitting near a nala when its banks collapsed due to the sheer volume of water, leading to his unfortunate fall. Witnesses promptly contacted emergency responders after observing the incident.

Rescue Efforts underway

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection agency (HYDRAA), alongside local police and disaster response teams, are actively engaged in search and rescue operations at all three locations.The teams are facing meaningful challenges due to the continuing rainfall and strong currents. According to recent data from the India meteorological Department, Musheerabad and Neredmet received the highest rainfall, registering over 16-18 centimeters on Sunday evening.

Did You Know? Hyderabad is particularly vulnerable to urban flooding during the monsoon season due to its topography and aging infrastructure.

Rainfall summary

Location	Rainfall (cm)
Musheerabad	16-18
Neredmet	16-18

The ongoing monsoon season has already caused widespread disruption across several states in India, with numerous cities reporting instances of flooding and related incidents. The Indian government has issued alerts and advisories, urging citizens to take necessary precautions and avoid venturing into flood-prone areas.

Pro Tip: Never attempt to cross flooded roads or waterways. Even shallow water can be deceptively strong and pose a significant risk.

Understanding Urban Flood Risks

urban flooding is a growing concern globally, exacerbated by factors such as rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, and climate change. According to a 2023 report by the World Bank, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall, are projected to increase in the coming decades, posing a greater threat to cities worldwide. Effective urban planning, improved infrastructure, and community preparedness are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with urban flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hyderabad Flooding

• What causes flooding in Hyderabad? Heavy monsoon rainfall, inadequate drainage systems, and encroachment of natural waterways contribute to flooding in Hyderabad.
• How can residents stay safe during heavy rains? Residents should avoid venturing into flooded areas, stay informed about weather updates, and follow instructions from local authorities.
• What is HYDRAA’s role in disaster management? HYDRAA coordinates disaster response and relief efforts in Hyderabad, working with various agencies to ensure effective assistance to affected communities.
• Are ther any long-term solutions to prevent flooding in Hyderabad? Improving drainage infrastructure, implementing lasting urban planning practices, and restoring natural waterways are key long-term solutions.
• What should you do if you see someone being swept away by floodwaters? Immediately alert emergency services and avoid attempting a rescue yourself, as this could put you at risk.

What are your thoughts on the city’s preparedness for monsoon season? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.

What specific flood control measures could be implemented to mitigate the risk of fatalities caused by overflowing nalas in Hyderabad?

Fatal Floods in Hyderabad: Three Swept Away by Raging Nalas During Heavy Rains

Hyderabad is reeling from the aftermath of intense rainfall that has led to devastating floods adn, tragically, the loss of three lives. The victims were swept away by the swiftly flowing waters of various nalas (storm drains) across the city on September 14,2025. this incident underscores the recurring vulnerability of Hyderabad to monsoon flooding and the urgent need for improved flood control measures.

The Current Situation: Hyderabad Flooding – September 14, 2025

the heavy downpour, which began late last night and continued through the morning, overwhelmed the city’s drainage system. Several low-lying areas were submerged, causing notable disruption to daily life.

* Areas Affected: Areas particularly impacted include Alwal, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, and parts of the Old City. Reports indicate significant waterlogging in residential colonies and commercial districts.

* Rescue Operations: The National Disaster response Force (NDRF), along with local police and fire services, are actively engaged in rescue operations.Helicopters were deployed to evacuate residents stranded in flooded areas.

* Casualties: As of 21:30 IST, three fatalities have been confirmed. two individuals were swept away in the Balkampet nala, and one in the Musi River. search operations are ongoing for potential missing persons.

* Traffic Disruption: Major roads have been closed due to flooding, leading to widespread traffic congestion. Commuters are advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Understanding Hyderabad’s Nala System & Flood Risks

Hyderabad’s vulnerability to flooding is deeply rooted in its geography and urban planning. The city is situated in the Deccan Plateau and is crisscrossed by a network of nalas that drain rainwater.Though, many of these nalas have become choked with illegal encroachments and solid waste, substantially reducing their capacity.

The Role of Encroachments in Increased Flood Risk

* Illegal Construction: Unauthorised structures built along nala banks obstruct the natural flow of water, exacerbating flooding during heavy rainfall.

* Waste Disposal: The indiscriminate dumping of plastic and other waste materials into nalas further restricts water flow and contributes to blockages.

* Lack of Regular Cleaning: Insufficient and infrequent cleaning of nalas allows sediment and debris to accumulate, reducing their carrying capacity.

Musi River – A Historical Perspective on Hyderabad Floods

The Musi River, which flows through Hyderabad, has a history of devastating floods. The most catastrophic event occurred in 1908,resulting in thousands of deaths. While the construction of reservoirs and flood control structures has mitigated the risk to some extent, the river remains a potential source of flooding, particularly during periods of exceptionally heavy rainfall. The recent incident involving a fatality in the Musi River serves as a stark reminder of this ongoing threat.

Immediate Safety Measures & What to Do During a Flood

If you are in a flood-affected area in Hyderabad, here are some crucial safety measures to take:

1. Evacuate Promptly: If authorities issue an evacuation order, comply without delay.
2. Avoid Floodwaters: do not attempt to walk or drive through floodwaters. Even shallow water can be dangerous due to strong currents and hidden hazards.
3. Disconnect Electrical Appliances: Turn off electricity at the main switch to prevent electrocution.
4. Stay Informed: Monitor local news and weather updates for the latest data and instructions.
5. Seek Higher Ground: Move to the highest level of your home or building if evacuation is not possible.
6. emergency Contacts: Keep emergency contact numbers readily available (police: 100, fire: 101, Disaster Management: 108).

Long-Term Solutions: Preventing Future hyderabad Floods

Addressing Hyderabad’s flood problem requires a multi-pronged approach:

* Nala Widening & Deepening: Undertaking comprehensive projects to widen and deepen nalas to increase their carrying capacity.

* Encroachment Removal: Strictly enforcing regulations to remove all illegal encroachments along nala banks. this requires political will and effective implementation.

* Improved Drainage Infrastructure: Investing in modern drainage systems and upgrading existing infrastructure to handle increased rainfall.

* Waste Management: Implementing effective waste management strategies to prevent the dumping of garbage into nalas. Promoting public awareness about responsible waste disposal.

* Early Warning Systems: Developing and implementing robust early warning systems to provide timely alerts to residents in flood-prone areas.

* Reservoir management: Optimizing the management of reservoirs to regulate water flow and reduce the risk of downstream flooding.

* Lasting Urban Planning: Incorporating flood resilience into urban planning and development policies.

Case Study: The 2020 Hyderabad Floods – Lessons Learned

The devastating floods of 2020 in Hyderabad, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, served as a wake-up call. A post-flood assessment revealed