Hyderabad Rains: Is There A Holiday For Schools Today?

Following heavy rains on Monday, several schools in Hyderabad have reportedly declared a holiday. The downpour, which affected many parts of Telangana, led to widespread waterlogging and significant traffic jams throughout the city.

Several schools across Hyderabad have extended the long weekend break until Wednesday, according to a report in Deccan Chronicle. Schools, already closed for Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, notified parents via WhatsApp that Tuesday would also be a non-working day for the safety of the children.

However, not all schools have been declared a holiday.

In the aftermath of the rains, the headmasters of schools in rural areas of the Ranga Reddy district have been instructed to assess the condition of their buildings and the connectivity to their schools. They have been authorized to declare a holiday if necessary, according to a report in Telangana Today.

Was that an #earthquake or a #thunderbolt? ⛈️🤯

For the first time in my life, a thunderclap scared me so much that it woke me from sleep. ⚡ #Rain across #Hyderabad is expected to subside by 8 AM.#Hyderabad #Telangana #HyderabadRains pic.twitter.com/BbqHdXV7Ih

— Vinay Kulkarni (@Vinaykulkarni91) August 20, 2024

"We have not declared a holiday for schools in Hyderabad," the website quoted Rohini, the District Education Officer (DEO) for Hyderabad, as saying. The School Education Department has advised the district administration to make decisions based on local conditions.

#Hyderabad witnessed #HeavyRain fall from last night, causing #waterlogged roads and flood-like situations in low lying areas.

The IMD issued yellow alert and asked citizens to be cautious.

RangaReddy district administration declares a holiday for schools.#HyderabadRains pic.twitter.com/aU0SzbhEPB

— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) August 20, 2024

Heavy Rains Impact

The sudden downpour on Monday night caught many commuters off guard, resulting in severe traffic snarls. Roads, particularly in Secunderabad, Kukatpally, and Hitec City, became heavily congested, causing traffic snarls, leaving many stranded for hours.

Residents in Tolichowki were seen wading through knee-deep water, with similar conditions reported in Sri Nagar Colony, Ameerpet, Mehdipatnam, Shaikpet, and Secunderabad.

#Hyderabad: All government schools located in Greater Hyd and Ranga Reddy will remain closed today following massive downpour. Extremely heavy rainfall lashed Twin cities in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Very scary visuals. pic.twitter.com/S7NFFxUp90

— @Coreena Enet Suares (@CoreenaSuares2) August 20, 2024

In addition to the urban impact, the heavy rains have had tragic consequences in the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana, where two individuals-a 40-year-old man and a 15-year-old girl-died from lightning strikes while working in agricultural fields.

Hyderabad received significant rainfall, with Quthbullapur recording 35.2 mm, Jubilee Hills 34.2 mm, and Yousufguda 28.3 mm. As a precaution, residents have been advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, with heavy rains and thunderstorms expected to continue on Wednesday.