A sudden and intense hailstorm struck Bengaluru's Church Street on Wednesday evening, causing significant damage to a local bookstore. The proprietor, identified as Krishna, reported that the store, which typically experiences high foot traffic on Wednesdays, was inundated with floodwaters after hailstones accumulated and clogged drainage systems.
Destruction of Books
Nearly 5,000 books were destroyed as water surged into the premises and drains overflowed. The loss is estimated to be substantial, impacting the store's inventory and operations.
Proprietor's Account
Krishna explained that the hailstorm was unexpected and severe. Hailstones piled up rapidly, blocking drains and causing water to back up into the store. Despite efforts to move books to higher ground, the volume of water was overwhelming.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of small businesses to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent in the region.
- Hailstorm hit Church Street around evening peak hours.
- Drains blocked by hailstones led to rapid flooding.
- Bookstore suffered major inventory loss.
Local authorities have been alerted, and cleanup efforts are underway. The bookstore owner is assessing the damage and considering next steps, including possible insurance claims and community support.
