Thundershowers pound Bengaluru for four hours

After a lull of about a week, thundershowers lashed Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, giving citizens respite from the sweltering heat.

Most parts of the city witnessed light to moderate rainfall while areas in central and southern Bengaluru witnessed thundershowers for almost four hours. The rainfall continued into the night in some areas. Trees were uprooted in at least two areas: Infantry Road and HRBR Layout.

Until 9.30 pm, Sampangirama Nagar in central Bengaluru recorded the highest rainfall at 152 mm followed by VV Puram in southern Bengaluru (144 mm) and Pulakeshinagar in eastern Bengaluru (120 mm).

The rainfall, coupled with thunderstorms, panicked the residents for a while and tested the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) claims of rain preparedness. Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun personally called up control rooms in all BBMP zones and instructed the officials to clear waterlogging.

According to BBMP officials, waterlogging was reported from JC Nagar and Sirsi Circle flyover. There was, however, no damage to property or life. The sudden rainfall caused traffic snarls along major streets such as Sampige Road, Hosur Road, Tumakuru Road and Old Madras Road. Several parts of the outer ring road also witnessed traffic jams for about half an hour. Areas like Yelahanka, GKVK and Ashoknagar witnessed a thunderstorm.

Data from the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) showed that South, Central and East Bengaluru areas received rather heavy rainfall ranging from 25 mm to 150 mm in a span of three to four hours. “The rainfall can partially be attributed to the effect of Fani as we are on the fringe of the storm. Adding to it, local climatic factors such as high temperature and upper air circulation drew moisture content, resulting in the breakdown of pressure and causing downpour,” Dr G S Srinivasa Reddy, Director, KSNDMC, told DH.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thundershowers for the next three days.