East India has been the intense weather pocket for last 48 hours. On Tuesday, at least 30 people lost their lives and scores of others were injured as thunderstorm activity gained strength in east Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar.
So much so that the state government was prompted to hold an emergency meeting to review the situation. The weather activity, which had damaging potential in view of high velocity winds, travelled further to Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Rain alone cannot kill people and cause immense damage. However, we are now into the season of dust storm accompanied with strong winds and thundershowers. The activity commenced in central UP on Tuesday morning and travelled gradually to east UP, leaving behind a trail of damage. People in Bihar saw dark clouds descending upon them during forenoon hours.
As per sensors of Skymet, Bihta near Patna witnessed winds punched with a speed of 75 kmph, Allahabad 55 kmph and Gorakhpur exceeding 70 kmph.
In a span of 24 hours, from 8.30 am (IST) on Tuesday, Gorakhpur received 7 mm of rain, Patna 3 mm, Bhubaneswar 28 mm, Bhagalpur 12 mm and Purnea 3.3 mm.
Bihar in shock!
Bihar was grappling with Saturday's earthquake and its aftershocks, when a thunder squall and rain brought fresh panic among people.
The thunder squall and moderate rains were due to a cyclonic circulation over east Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas. This weather system is giving rise to favourable conditions for induction of moist winds from the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, rain is likely to continue in the region at least for next 3 days. Moreover, we are into the season when even small triggers (High temperatures, high humidity) can lead to thunderstorms.
image credit- PTI
