HEAVY RAINS AND LIGHTNING STRIKE IN HYDERABAD

Hyderabad experienced a dramatic turn in weather on Monday as heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and intense lightning, lashed several parts of the city. Among the most affected areas was Gachibowli, where a powerful lightning strike triggered panic among residents and commuters.

Frightening Lightning in Gachibowli

The most shocking incident occurred near the HP petrol bunk at Lanco Hills Circle in Khajaguda, where a bolt of lightning struck a palm tree with a deafening sound. The loud explosion startled everyone in the vicinity. The tree caught fire instantly due to the intensity of the lightning, drawing the attention of locals and motorists nearby. People were seen running in fear as thick smoke billowed from the burning tree.

Eyewitnesses described the moment as terrifying. “The sound was like a bomb. Everyone panicked. We saw flames rising from the tree within seconds,” said a local resident. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the dramatic scenes as people screamed and rushed to safety.

Traffic Chaos and Commuter Struggles

As the rains poured down, accompanied by thunder and high-speed winds, motorists found it extremely difficult to navigate through the waterlogged streets. Visibility dropped drastically, and many two-wheeler riders had to pull over and wait for the storm to subside. Several roads were partially flooded, causing slow-moving traffic and increasing the risk of accidents.

Many office-goers, students, and delivery workers were caught off-guard by the sudden storm. Those who were already on the roads during the downpour had to take shelter in nearby shops and buildings. Traffic signals in some areas were disrupted due to power outages caused by the lightning and rain.

Social Media Buzzes with Viral Videos

The lightning strike in Khajaguda became one of the top trending topics in Hyderabad on social media platforms. Videos and photos showing the burning palm tree and terrified people running from the scene were widely shared. Netizens expressed concern over the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events and urged authorities to take preventive steps to ensure public safety.

Some users also shared their own close encounters with lightning during the storm, while others posted weather updates and safety tips. The incident sparked conversations about urban safety, emergency preparedness, and the importance of staying indoors during such weather.

Warnings from the Meteorological Department

Following the intense rainfall and dangerous lightning activity, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory warning citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Officials cautioned that more thunderstorms and lightning strikes are expected in the coming days due to changing monsoon patterns.

The IMD specifically urged people to stay away from open areas, tall trees, electric poles, and metal objects during thunderstorms. Residents were also advised to unplug electronic devices and avoid using mobile phones when lightning is visible.

Growing Concern Over Climate Change Impact

Weather experts believe that such sudden and intense weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Hyderabad has witnessed multiple instances of extreme rain and lightning in recent years, disrupting daily life and posing safety risks to the public.

Environmentalists are calling for better infrastructure planning and improved disaster management systems in urban areas to deal with the increasing unpredictability of the climate. “We need better drainage systems, emergency shelters, and a stronger public alert mechanism to handle these situations,” one expert noted.

Public Safety Measures Urged

Authorities have been requested to increase public awareness about lightning safety and ensure rapid response mechanisms are in place. The fire department reached the spot quickly after the tree caught fire, but citizens argue that more proactive steps are needed. Installing lightning arresters in high-risk areas, especially around crowded public places, is one of the measures being recommended.