110 years ago on 28th September, thousands of people drowned to death as the Musi river flooded Hyderabad, thanks to heavy rains which lashed the city. It was one of the most destructive floods that took place and has etched itself in history as a major event that changed the city's contours. In fact, the heavy rains recorded an astounding 18.90 inches of rainfall in just 48 hours.
It is estimated that about 15,000 (possibly more) people died in these devastating floods. During those few days, an age-old tamarind tree, which today stands inside the Osmania General Hospital, saved 150 lives of the people who climbed atop it for safety. Today, a board hangs from it in memory of the event. It is believed that the water rose 20 feet higher than the ground level in just 24 hours and managed to destroy a lot of buildings and homes as well. This was also what led Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and last Nizam (who followed his father's idea) to make the city flood-proof for future safety.
Today, there are a handful of markings, including one which is about 20 feet high, at different places which show us the reach of the water in 1908 near the Musi river in the old city. Come, join us for this walk on a Sunday morning around the river to understand the historic incident and how it changed the history of the city.
This guided tour is free.
