JOIN USHeavy rain, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, lashed the city for nearly half an hour on Wednesday evening.
Cloudy weather prevailed since afternoon. With lightning, heavy rain started at around 6 pm. Rainwater was overflowing on roads at several places, obstructing vehicular movement. Pedestrians and bike riders rushed for cover. Vendors at market places also faced inconvenience. Lightning continued even after the rain receded. A few trees were uprooted at Shirur Park area.
The city received heavy rain for the third time in the past one week. This has brought a relief from the scorching sun. Pre-monsoon showers have also raised hopes about getting sufficient rainfall during the rainy season this time.
Following frequent rainfall, wells that had gone dry are springing back to life hinting at addressing woes on drinking water front in summer in and around Gonikoppa in Kodagu district. The surroundings of Gonikoppa including Anechowkur, Matthigodu and Nagarahole forest area received rain on Wednesday at 4 pm. The region has been receiving rain for the past one month. It is expected to help in better yield for coffee and pepper growers. Papaya and mango growers suffered huge loss when rain, accompanied by hailstones and thunder, lashed several parts, including Kaluvehalli and Gudehalli in Challakere taluk, in Chitradurga district on Tuesday.
The rain has destroyed 2,300 papaya plants of Jayamma-Hanumanthappa couple at Kaluvehalli and the loss is estimated to be Rs 6 lakh to 7 lakh. Gudihalli villager Chinnappa has lost mango crop grown on six acres of land.
Upon receiving the information, tahsildar T C Kantharaj, assistant director of horticulture department Vijaukumar, revenue inspector Rafi and village accountant Ranganath, visited the rain-affected areas to assess the extent of damage on Wednesday.