City plunges into darkness for several hours after rain, storm

Prayagraj: After witnessing a rise in temperature for past few days, the city witnessed a sudden change in weather with thunderstorm accompanied by lightening and rainfall on Wednesday night. Many city localities remained in dark as the the storm disrupted power supply in many areas.

Earlier in the day, maximum temperature was recorded at 40.4°C. The minimum temperature was recorded at 22.7°C on Tuesday which further rose to 26.0°C on Wednesday. In the evening, the weather took a sudden turn with a thunderstorm at night. As the storm intensified, the power supply was shut in many areas.

The storm caused damage in several areas of the city by uprooting over two dozen trees and hoardings along the roads, obstructing traffic and damaging power lines. Localities including Khuldabad, Attarsuiya, Kasari-Masari, Kareli, Bairahna, Atala, Nakhas Kohna, Rani Mandi, Ram Bagh, Azad Nagar, Badshahi Mandi, Bahadurganj, Chaufatka, Salori, and Bachhada reported prolonged power outages. Jumper wires and cable boxes were damaged causing delay in restoring power supply.

At Karelabagh near Hindu Chauraha, a lightning strike hit a tree, igniting it. The flames were fanned by the gusty winds, creating panic among residents. Several trees also fell on parked vehicles damaging them.

Train movement was also hit by the storm. At Prayagraj Junction, Train No. 12398 Mahabodhi Express, which arrived at Platform No. 5, was delayed after a tin shed was torn off by the wind and landed on the railway tracks. Railway staff acted quickly to remove the obstruction, and the train resumed its journey after a brief halt.

In Rasulabad, electric poles and wires were damaged causing power disruption. In Cantt, Atala, and near Tiranga Chauraha, tree branches damaged overhead lines, affecting dozens of homes. A tree branch fell on a car parked on Stanley Road. Dhoomanganj, Shivkuti, Noorullah Road, Kala Danda, Sulemsarai, Baluaghat, Mirapur, Harshvardhan Nagar, and Sheesh Mahal were among the hardest-hit areas , with many homes facing hours without power.

The storm also disrupted traffic. A DCM truck travelling from Varanasi to Prayagraj overturned on the Shastri Bridge due to the intense winds and reduced visibility. The accident, and fallen tree branches between Andawa and Alopi Bagh, caused a massive traffic jam stretching nearly two kilometres. Police from Jhunsi and the traffic department were deployed to implement a one-way system, helping vehicles navigate through the affected stretch.

The Prayagraj Municipal Corporation and the forest department continued efforts to clear the roads throughout Thursday.