Thunderstorms, rains likely in 13 states, 2 UTs today

NEW DELHI: Thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains are likely to occur in at least 13 states and two Union Territories across the country on May 7, the home ministry said.

Thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh while thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely today at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Punjab.

Heavy rains are likely today at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, a home ministry official said on Sunday quoting an Indian Meteorological Department advisory.

Dust storm and thunderstorm are also likely at isolated places in West Rajasthan, the official said.

In view of the warning, the Haryana government decided that all state and private schools will remain closed on May 7 and 9.

The Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department, in an advisory, has suggested safety tips to be adopted in case of thunderstorms, dust storms and squall.

A spokesperson of the department said there is no need to panic and people should follow the precautions, pay special attention to children and senior citizens.
At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others were injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week.