Source TOI
Bengaluru, India: A sudden spell of intense rainfall, accompanied by a severe hailstorm and strong winds, wreaked havoc across Bengaluru on Thursday, leaving at least 10 people dead and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and daily life.
According to local authorities, the fatalities were primarily caused by falling trees, collapsing walls, and flying debris as gusty winds swept through several parts of the city. Emergency services were deployed across affected areas to carry out rescue operations and clear blocked roads.
The unexpected weather event led to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, bringing traffic to a standstill during peak hours. Commuters were stranded for hours as major roads and underpasses were inundated. Public transport services, including buses, were also disrupted due to hazardous conditions.
Officials from the Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority stated that multiple neighborhoods reported power outages after electric poles were damaged by the storm. Teams from the electricity department worked overnight to restore supply in affected zones.
Civic authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as more rainfall is expected in the coming days. Schools in some parts of the city have been advised to remain closed as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, weather experts have attributed the sudden storm to a combination of pre-monsoon atmospheric instability and localized weather disturbances, which are common during this time of the year but rarely this intense.
The state government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and has directed officials to assess the damage and take immediate relief measures.
As Bengaluru begins recovery efforts, questions are being raised about urban preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather events.
