HYDERABAD, April 7: Hyderabad and its adjoining areas, including Kotri, Jamshoro and Matiari, received first rainfall of the season on Wednesday. The rain, recorded at 15.5 millimetres according to the Met office , brought relief after a long spell of oppressive heat.

Maximum temperature was recorded at 42 degree centigrade and the minimum at 24 degree centigrade. Maximum humidity was recorded at 84 per cent and minimum at 21 per cent.

In the morning hours, there was intense heat but the atmosphere became pleasant when the rain started at 4pm and continued for one and a half hour. As usual, with the first drop of rain, a massive power breakdown occurred which exposed the fragile transmission system of Hesco.

According to the Hesco officials, almost all the grid stations were switched off due to major faults. A majority of the areas in the City, Latifabad and Qasimabad talukas remained without power supply for about three hours. Power supply in the Saddar area was restored at 7pm.

Similar reports were received from the adjoining towns. Low lying areas and Katchi abadis were submerged by the rain water.z