After 124 deaths, heavy storm alert for 15 states, UTs
Days after heavy dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning killed more than 100 people in North India, the Met department has issued a similar warning for the next two days in 13 states and two union territories. The intensity is likely to be less than the previous spell, officials said. To ensure safety, Haryana has shut down all its schools today and tomorrow.
Alerts for thunderstorm, hail or squall have been issued for various places in Assam, Bihar, Haryana, HP, J&K, Karnataka, Kerala, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim, TN, Tripura, UP, Uttarakhand and WB. Chandigarh and Delhi will also be hit, the IMD has predicted. In Rajasthan, dusts-storms are expected to disrupt normal life. Though such phenomena aren't uncommon, the intensity this time was shocking.
Haryana has issued an advisory with safety tips for the public in case of thunderstorms. It advises people to keep an emergency kit ready, cover sharp objects, secure items outside that might blow away, remove broken branches that could fall, and keep themselves updated through news on radio or TV. It also asked people to pay special attention to children and senior citizens.
Last week, heavy storms lashed several states in North India. At least 124 people were killed in two days due to dust storm, thunderstorms and lightning in UP, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand and Punjab. According to IMD, it was a result of several factors, including "a western disturbance-induced cyclonic circulation, high moisture brought by easterly winds, and the recent spell of unusually high temperatures."
Reacting to the disaster, politicians blamed rivals and assured aid. In Rajasthan, Congress Chief Sachin Pilot visited victims' families and accused the government of not paying heed to the common man's suffering. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has requested all support to affected farmers in Odisha. Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath blamed the weather department for the fiasco, alleging it hadn't provided adequate information.
