Sudden rain and hailstorm bring relief from heat but cause deaths, flooding and massive disruption across the city
April 30, 2026: A sudden spell of intense rain and hailstorm battered Bengaluru on Wednesday evening, bringing relief from scorching summer heat but causing widespread disruption within hours. The sharp downpour, accompanied by strong winds, led to severe waterlogging, traffic chaos and flooding in several parts of the city. Key areas like Richmond Town and Shanthinagar witnessed waist-deep water, while even government offices, including parts of Vidhana Soudha, were inundated as civic infrastructure struggled to cope.
The storm turned deadly, with at least 10 people losing their lives in separate incidents. Seven people, including a child, were killed after a compound wall collapsed at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, while others died due to electrocution and structural damage across the city. Among the victims were a man on Bannerghatta Road and a student who came into contact with a live wire during the rain. Civic authorities also reported widespread damage, with dozens of trees uprooted and branches falling across multiple locations.
The heavy downpour severely disrupted traffic and daily life, especially during peak evening hours. Vehicles crawled through flooded roads, metro services faced interruptions, and emergency teams were deployed to clear debris and manage congestion. The storm also impacted businesses, including the iconic The Bookworm on Church Street, where thousands of books were damaged due to flooding. Authorities continue to assess the damage as the city grapples with the aftermath of the sudden weather event.