Bengaluru braces for more rain after the April 29 hailstorm that threw the city's life out of gear and also resulted in at least 10 deaths. Photo: (The Karnataka state secretariat in Bengaluru) iStock
Bengaluru likely to get more rain after deadly hailstorm breaks heat wave
Mercury plunges 10°C as heavy rains bring relief from sweltering heat, but storm fury leaves at least 10 dead and causes widespread destruction across the city
Till Wednesday (April 29) afternoon, Bengaluru’s heat was becoming unbearable. A city, which is often called one with an “air-conditioned climate”, threw at the burning cities in northern India a tight challenge. But after the hailstorm that went for a few hours, the city’s mercury headed south sharply, dropping by about 10-degree Celsius.
Also read: Seven killed, as many injured as wall collapses in Bengaluru hailstorm
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more rains in Bengaluru for the next few days (at least till May 2), with Thursday (April 30) expected to see a light shower accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The Met Office also issued a yellow alert.
City may see gusty winds
In its latest report, the IMD said Bengaluru could also witness gusty winds blowing between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour over the next few days. The rain could become intense in the evening and night hours, it added. Even downpour and thundershowers are expected to occur at other regions of Karnataka, including Ballari, Vijayanagara, Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Chikkaballapura, Kolar, Mandya, Mysuru and Ramnagara. In other places, dry weather is likely to persist, it said in its forecast made on Thursday.
Relief came, but so did tragedy
While Thursday’s rain and storm gave the people of Bengaluru a much-needed relief from sweltering heat, it also caused tragic incidents such as the collapse of a hospital compound wall, electrocution, and other destruction caused by nature’s fury that resulted in deaths of at least 10 people and injuries to many others.
Also read: IMD issues advisories as heatwaves scorch north India, Kerala records high UV radiation
Seven people lost their lives when the wall at the city’s Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital crumbled and at least two of the victims were minors.
Reports of waterlogging and uprooting of trees were also reported from various parts of the city, throwing lives out of gear.
The sudden change in the weather is believed to be caused by atmospheric instability and moisture incursion from both the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
Also read: Western Disturbance brings relief from heat as hailstorms, squalls batter states
The IMD has advised people to remain indoors during thunderstorm and lightning. Authorities have also urged people to be prepared for traffic congestion and waterlogging in some parts due to high rain.