After boiling people in intense heat throughout the day a freak gale followed by light drizzle hit the State capital on Saturday late evening plunging the entire Raipur and its surrounding areas in darkness as strong winds blew for an hour as also fire erupted at five places — Pandri, Urla, Telibandha, Bhatagaon and industrial area Bhanpuri putting the fire brigade officials at their toes.
According to weather department sources, due to intense increase in day temperature a disturbance occurred in upper strata of atmosphere leading to the gale which hit the capital at high speed snapping electric wire at several places in state capital and nearby rural areas. Entire capital plunged into darkness for hours even as the following rain made the situation worse for fire brigade officials who rushed to put out fire erupted in many areas, reason for which is unknown. Damages to trees and roadside structures as well as fire reported from many places adjoining State capital. However, no casualty reported from anywhere.