HYDERABAD, Aug 7: Heavy rain accompanied by lightning and thunderstorm lashed the district on Friday evening, causing a major power breakdown in the city.

The rain broke the hot spell, bringing the temperature from 40 degree centigrade to 24 degree centigrade.

It started to rain at 6:40pm and continued incessantly for an hour. Many signboards flew in the air and electricity wires fell due to strong winds.

There were traffic jams in Hyder chowk, Bacha Khan chowk, Sabzi Mandi, Hirabad, Market tower, Phulelli and Paretabad areas.

The subway connecting the city with Latifabad remained blocked due to the accumulation of water and the entire traffic was diverted to the railway crossing which led to the worst traffic congestion.

Wasa was not capable to cope with rain-related calamities. Its pumping stations were not in a proper condition to dispose of rain water.

The city was hit by a major power breakdown with the first drop of rain. Feeders of Qasimabad, Latifabad and Phulleli grid stations tripped, plugging the entire city into darkness.

A Hesco official said since wires were lying on the ground on account of heavy thunderstorm, it was difficult to start power supply soon.

Residents of Hirabad, Station Road and other areas, however, blamed the company for incompetence and failing to keep their system operational in emergencies. The water supply was also affected.

City Taluka Nazim Haji Moinuddin Sheikh claimed he had told the meeting called to prepare a rain emergency plan on Friday that rains would lead to several problems as water would accumulate in most of areas.

He said major pumping stations of the city had no electricity generators, therefore, it would be difficult to dispose of stagnant water.

Latifabad Taluka Nazim Abdul Jabbar Khan said pumping machines were in a poor state and they would stop working any time.

Mr Khan said machines worth Rs1.6 million had not been maintained.

NAWABSHAH: The city and its surroundings including Sathmile, Jam Sahib, Daur, Bandhi and Sakrand received a light rain onFriday.

The weather became pleasant and people including children came on roads and enjoyed rains.

However, electricity failure in many parts of the city made lives of the people difficult.