Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara, was caught in a flash flood on Thursday, leaving hundreds of pilgrims stranded as heavy rains lashed Tirupati and Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh.

The four ‘maada streets' adjoining the main temple on Tirumala Hills, remained flooded and pilgrims could not make it to the Darshan of the God.

The Japali Anjaneya Swamy temple in Tirumala was also affected by the flooding triggered by the heavy downpour. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams officials made arrangements for free food and accommodation for the stranded pilgrims.

The two ghat roads leading to the Tirumala Hills were closed for traffic following the flood and landslides.

The runway at the Tirupati International Airport at Renigunta was also submerged in water, forcing the authorities to cancel flights.

Airport Director S Suresh said two passenger flights scheduled to land in Tirupati from Hyderabad and Bengaluru had to return while another flight from Delhi was cancelled due to the bad weather.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has reviewed the situation and issued instructions for the deployment of  NDRF and SDRF teams for carrying out rescue and relief operations.

Also read: Thunderstorms, moderate rain predicted in TN, Puducherry