In the evening of 20-4-2019 at about 4 pm, there was a huge onset of heavy rain in Hyderabad. Affecting the Zoo park also with the rains followed by strong winds resulted in falling of huge trees. Trees of Neem, Tamarind, Babul, cassia, and several electric wires fallen down in the Zoo park.
Repair work in the Zoo park was done and the Zoo authorities as promised will keep it open all seven days. Timings will not be changed. Everyday, the Zoo will close in the evenings as usual.
Around 50 to 60 trees been uprooted to cause heavy damage to the electric lines and poles. Immediate measures were taken to evacuate the visitors involved in various activities for escaping from the heavy winds and rain.
Zoo authorities also removed all the battery vehicles, safari buses, etc to avoid further mishaps. They did so because the parking area also extensively damaged. It is with great regret we inform that in the resultant aftermath of the strong winds, one woman died in the Zoo. The death of the person, Mrs Nikath Sultana W/O Iqbal Ahmed was the main tragedy including the heavy losses that the Zoo needs to bear. The victim was sitting under a huge tree when the mishap occurred. The matter has been brought to the higher authorities and the Govt has announced an ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakhs to the family of the deceased.
Few injured visitors were also given first aid. However, Zoo will function as usual from Sunday but there will be no joy rides of the trains and Safari vehicles.
Khalid M Raza
