Catholic groups provide relief to flood-affected victims in Hyderabad. Photo: By arrangement. Hyderabad: After days of torrential rain triggered flash floods in Hyderabad last week, hundreds of families living along the Musi River were left stranded as water swept through their homes. The sudden surge, caused by heavy rains and the release of water from upstream reservoirs, inundated low-lying settlements near Amberpet, Chaderghat, Shankar Nagar, and Shivaji Bridge—washing away homes, belongings, and school materials.
Rising to the occasion, the Conference of Religious India (CRI), Archdiocese of Hyderabad, mobilised an emergency relief operation to support the affected families. Bringing together men and women from multiple congregations, CRI members swiftly raised funds, procured supplies, and distributed emergency kits to those who had lost everything in the floods.
Each relief kit contained 10 kilograms of rice, flour, dal, sugar, oil, tea packets, masala powders, soap, blankets, towels, tarpaulin sheets, floor mats, and cooking utensils, along with notebooks and stationery for schoolchildren. The initiative was coordinated through the CRI House at Jeevan Jyothi.
The relief effort was carried out in three phases. In Phase I, on October 2, the Sisters of St. Ann’s of Phirangipuram distributed 100 relief kits to families in Amberpet and Shankar Nagar. Phase II, on October 5, saw 202 families receive aid distributed by the Sisters of Charity, Sisters of St. Ann of Providence, Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate, and Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. The ongoing Phase III aims to reach over 1,500 families, coordinated by the Sisters of St. Ann’s of Luzern, Catechist Sisters of St. Ann, Daughters of the Sacred Heart, Sisters of St. Paul, Brothers of St. Gabriel, and Salesians of Don Bosco.
The Domestic Workers Union and MSI Institute conducted a door-to-door survey to identify the most affected households. The National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW) also joined the operation, extending its support and collaboration to ensure relief reached some of the most marginalised flood victims, particularly Dalit and migrant families residing along the Musi banks.
“We are deeply grateful to all congregations and volunteers who stepped forward with compassion and solidarity,” said Fr. Sarath SDB, who coordinated the operation along with Sr. Lizy SCCG and Bro. Varghese SG.
Several families expressed relief and gratitude, saying the emergency supplies had helped them begin rebuilding their lives after they had lost their homes and belongings to the floodwaters.
The Musi River, which winds through Hyderabad’s twin cities, has long been home to thousands of settlers—many of them migrants from rural Telangana and neighbouring states. In recent years, unplanned settlements and poor drainage have made riverside communities increasingly vulnerable to flooding, which experts say is worsened by changing weather patterns and rapid urbanisation.
In its statement, the CRI described the outreach as part of its broader mission to live out its faith as “Pilgrims of Hope in communion, participation, and mission.” It thanked all participating congregations, communities, and volunteers for their compassion, collaboration, and unity in extending hope to those in distress.
Looking ahead, CRI Hyderabad said it plans to continue accompanying affected families in their recovery journey by facilitating livelihood support, education aid for children, and ongoing community rebuilding efforts.
