Watch: Pilgrims stranded as heavy downpour floods Tirupati

The heavy rain triggered landslides because of which the authorities closed roads to the Sri Venkateswara Temple.

Hyderabad: Several areas in the temple town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh were inundated after heavy rains lashed the Chittoor district, leading to massive flooding in many areas.

The heavy rain triggered landslides because of which the authorities closed roads to the Sri Venkateswara Temple. The four ‘maada streets’ adjoining the main temple on Tirumala Hills, remained flooded, as was the Vaikuntam queue complex (cellar).

Flights had to be diverted because the airport was flooded. Many pilgrims were stranded. Videos from the town showed people trying to wade through fast-moving floodwater on roads.  Traffic too has been disrupted due to floods.  

The Japali Anjaneya Swamy temple on Tirumala was inundated and the idol of the God submerged. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials arranged free food and accommodation for the pilgrims stranded on the holy hills.

TTD Executive Officer KS Jawahar Reddy declared a holiday on Friday for the office staff in view of the situation.

In case of emergency, people can dial 100, or reach out to the police on WhatsApp at 8099999977, or contact the Police Control Room at 6309913960.