Thunder storms hit Telugu states

Four killed in Kadapa as heavy rains disrupt Hindu festival

Aday after experiencing the hottest day of the season, some parts of Telangana heaved a sigh of relief as a thunderstorm brought down temperatures.

Storms also hit parts of Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region, killing at least four people in Kadapa district on Friday evening.

Both the Telugu states were left reeling from the unusually repressive heat conditions as the mercury crossed 42 degrees centigrade at many places including Hanmakonda, Ramagundam and Adilabad on Friday.

Hyderabad also recorded a high of 40C, which is very unusual for this time of the year.

However, the sky was overcast in and around Hyderabad yesterday, with thunderstorms hitting parts of the city and the adjoining districts of Siddipet and Ranga Reddy.

Feast turns into tragedy

In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, at least four people were killed and 51 others were injured when a cloudburst hit Kadapa district.

Heavy rains accompanied by gale winds and thunderstorms hit Vontimetta, in Kadapa, where thousands of people had gathered for a Hindu festival on Friday evening.

The festive occasion turned into a tragedy as the thunderstorm brought down a temporary shed erected by the officials for the occasion.

Powerful winds also uprooted trees and electric poles, plunging the area into darkness.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was in town to attend the festival at the Sri Rama temple, had to remain confined to the guesthouse due to bad weather conditions. Later he held a review meeting with the officials and expressed his unhappiness over the lack of proper arrangements and preparations to deal with inclement weather.