Hyderabad, July 26 -- Traders in the city have been hit hard by the continuous rains that have been lashing the city for the last five days.

The markets in the city are presenting a deserted look, and businessmen are idling at the shops. Similar scenes are witnessed in the streets of Begum Bazar, Afzalgunj, Abids Road, Siddiamber Bazar, Badi Chowdi, Nampally, etc.

"The people are not venturing out unless necessary, for fear of traffic jams. Only shops selling essential items such as groceries and medicines are seeing some business," said Manoj Agarwal, a trader at Begum Bazaar.

Another businessman, Manish Jain, told Siasat.com that the business has been hit hard due to the rains. "Rains are good, but due to the fear of waterlogging and...