Hailstorms and Flooding Kill 10 in Bengaluru as Severe Weather Disrupts Flights

Key facts

• At least 10 people died in Bengaluru due to hailstorms, rain, and thunderstorms.
• A Bengaluru-Hubli flight circled for 2 hours before diverting back to Bengaluru due to bad weather.
• An Indore-bound flight from Bengaluru was diverted to Ahmedabad.
• Temperatures in Bengaluru ranged between 22°C and 37°C during the week.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of continued thundershowers and potential hail until May 2.
• Severe weather also affected parts of North and Central India with a mix of storms and heat.

Storm Strikes Bengaluru: A City Under Siege

A ferocious pre-monsoon storm pummeled Bengaluru on Monday, unleashing hailstones, torrential rain, and gale-force winds that killed at least 10 people and injured several others. The sudden onslaught turned streets into rivers, uprooted trees, and brought the city's famed traffic to a standstill. Commuters were seen wading through waist-deep water or dragging two-wheelers through flooded roads as the downpour overwhelmed drainage systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast light to moderate rain for the week, with temperatures oscillating between 22°C and 37°C. But the intensity of Monday's thunderstorms caught many off guard, triggering chaos across the city. Videos on social media showed passengers inside a Bengaluru-Hubli flight gripping their seats as the aircraft lurched through turbulence, unable to land for two hours before diverting back to Bengaluru.

A Deadly Hailstorm: The Wall That Became a Death Trap

In one of the most tragic incidents, a wall that had provided shelter during the storm collapsed, killing seven people who had huddled against it for safety. Rescue workers described harrowing scenes as victims screamed for help before being swallowed by debris. The hailstorm, which left a layer of white ice on roads and gardens, turned deadly as structures weakened by the deluge gave way. The storm also caused widespread damage to property, with vehicles crushed under falling branches and rooftops torn off by winds. multiple injuries from flying debris and accidents. The city's emergency services were stretched thin as they responded to dozens of distress calls.

Air Travel Disrupted: Flights Diverted as Visibility Drops

The severe weather wreaked havoc on air travel, forcing multiple flights to divert or circle for extended periods. A Bengaluru-Hubli flight, unable to land due to poor visibility and strong crosswinds, spent two hours circling before returning to Bengaluru. Another flight from Bengaluru to Indore was diverted to Ahmedabad as conditions deteriorated. Passengers described harrowing moments of turbulence, with one video showing a plane shaking violently as passengers screamed. The IMD had warned travelers of wider weather disruptions across India, advising caution. The airport authority worked to manage the backlog as flights were delayed or canceled, leaving hundreds stranded. The disruptions highlighted the vulnerability of air travel to sudden weather changes, especially during the pre-monsoon season.

Weather Systems Across India: A Nation in the Grip of Extremes

Bengaluru's storm was part of a larger weather pattern affecting multiple regions. North and Central India experienced a mix of storms and heat, with some areas seeing thunderstorms while others sweltered under high temperatures. The Northeast and East received heavy rainfall, while southern India, including Bengaluru, faced a brief but intense active spell. The IMD predicted that conditions in Bengaluru would improve from May 2, but warned of continued thundershowers and potential hail in the coming days. The contrasting weather—from heatwaves in the north to floods in the south—underscored the complexity of India's climate systems. The IMD's forecasts played a crucial role in preparing authorities, but the sudden intensity of Monday's storm showed the limits of prediction.

Aftermath and Outlook: Recovery Begins as More Rain Looms

As the storm subsided, Bengaluru began the slow process of recovery. Cleanup crews worked to clear debris and restore power to affected areas. The city's residents, accustomed to tech-driven efficiency, faced the raw force of nature. The death toll of 10, with several injured, marked one of the deadliest weather events in recent memory for the city. The IMD forecasted that the stormy spell would last until May 2, with travelers advised to plan cautiously. The broader outlook for India remained mixed, with some regions bracing for more rain while others faced heat. For Bengaluru, the storm served as a stark reminder of the growing unpredictability of weather patterns, possibly linked to climate change, and the need for better urban resilience.

The bottom line

• A severe pre-monsoon storm killed 10 people in Bengaluru, with hailstorms, rain, and wind causing widespread damage.
• A wall collapse during the storm killed seven people who had sought shelter against it.
• Air travel was heavily disrupted, with flights diverted or circling for hours due to poor visibility and turbulence.
• The IMD warned of continued thundershowers and potential hail until May 2, advising travelers to exercise caution.
• The storm was part of a larger weather pattern affecting multiple regions of India, from heavy rain in the east to heat in the north.
• The event highlighted the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to extreme weather and the need for improved preparedness.