Hyderabad: At least four people lost their lives in the severe thunderstorms swept across Telangana, bringing torrential rain and multiple lightning strikes on Wednesday.
In Mahabubabad district, two individuals were fatally struck by lightning in separate incidents. One of the victims was identified as Prabhu, a local panchayat worker from Gundengla village in Gudur mandal. The second, a shepherd named Cheralu from Ootai village, was struck while tending livestock.
Similar tragedies occurred in Nalgonda and Wanaparthy districts. A 46-year-old woman farmer, Bhikshamma, died after being hit by lightning in Uppalapadu, Nalgonda. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Nagaraju was killed in Miyapur, Wanaparthy, during a separate lightning strike.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded relentless rainfall across the state over the past 24 hours. Medak’s RDO office logged the highest rainfall at 119.3 mm, followed by 112 mm in Masaipet, 99.8 mm in Jannaram, Mancherial, and 98.8 mm in Bandlaguda, Hyderabad.
Officials have attributed the intense weather conditions to a low-pressure trough over the west-central Bay of Bengal. This system is fuelling active monsoon currents, leading to heavy and very heavy rains across several parts of the state.
The IMD has warned that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely to continue for the next four days. Citizens have been urged to exercise caution, especially in open or exposed areas.
