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Monsoon breaks over Kerala; thunderstorms, lightning kill scores in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand

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8 years ago

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Monsoon breaks over Kerala; thunderstorms, lightning kill scores in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Monsoon broke in Kerala on Tuesday, May 29, three days ahead of its normal date. The weather department has predicted a good rainy season this year, unlike 2017 when at least 60 per cent of the country did not receive adequate rainfall.

“Heavy rainfall was witnessed in many parts of the state as well as the Lakshadweep Islands. Amini in Lakshadweep reported 24 mm rain while Konni (Pathanamthitta) in Kerala registered 18 mm. The weather conditions are conducive for further advancement of clouds,” said media reports quoting Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) regional director K Santosh.

Heat wave continued to affect life in north and west India with maximum temperatures refusing to come below mid-forties.

At the same time, thunderstorms struck many parts leaving as many as 46 people dead and over two dozen injured in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand on Monday. A report quoting news agency ANI said 15 people have died in Uttar Pradesh. In Bihar and Jharkhand, the told stands at 19 and 12, respectively.

According to a report in The Financial Express (FE) quoting a UP government official, of the 15 deaths, six were reported from Unnao district. They were struck by lightning on Monday night. Two deaths were reported each in Kanpur and Rae Bareli. Five persons are also said to have suffered injuries. The official said that concerned DMs have been asked to reach out to the victims and ensure financial assistance are delivered to their families within 24 hours.

The Met department has predicted that heavy thunderstorm accompanied by rainfall is likely to lash many regions including Bundelkhand, several western and eastern districts in the next 24 hours. Lucknow and neighbouring areas like Kanpur, Kannauj, Etawah, Mainpuri, Agra, Meerut and Moradabad also likely to witness heavy rainfall.

In Bihar, the toll mounted to 19 today morning. At least 12 people lost their lives in the southern part of the state, besides heavy damages caused to public amenities. In Gaya, 4 people were killed whereas 5 died in neighbouring Aurangabad. Two people were reported killed in Nawada. In Munger, three people died in havoc triggered by the untimely thunderstorm. In Katihar, three members of a family died.

In neighbouring Jharkhand, 12 people lost their lives and at least 28 others were injured. Several trees were uprooted in the capital city of Ranchi due to the sudden hailstorm. The IMD has predicted thunderstorm in the state until June 12 when monsoon is expected to hit the state.

In Ranchi’s Itki area, 17-year-old Subhash Minz was struck by lightning around 8.30 pm on Monday while he was having dinner with four others outside his residence in Nari village, said a report in The Hindustan Times (HT).

In another incident, 12-year-old Vishal Mahto was returning home from a vegetable market with his grandfather when he was struck by lightning at Koynartoli village in Ranchi, reported HT. The district witnessed its third casualty when a mason, identified as Phulesh Machua, was struck by a thunderbolt at Tamar on Monday evening.

According to news reports, the number of maximum causalities was reported in Bokaro where 8 people have died. In Khunti, 6 persons were killed whereas two persons died in Ranchi. In Ramgarh, two persons were killed and one death was reported in Palamu, Hazaribagh and Lohardaga each.

According to government figures, 43 people have lost their lives in the state this month in incidents related to thunderstorm so far, said the FE report.

Earlier this month, around 170 people were killed when high intensity dust storm that had hit the northern states.

Delhi and areas around continued to reel under heat wave-like conditions. The meteorological department said some relief could come in the form of precipitation through Tuesday and Wednesday.

“There are chances of a dust storm or thunderstorm on Tuesday. But as that will occur only in the late afternoon or evening, the day temperature is likely to remain almost the same as Monday,” reported HT, quoting RK Jenamani, head of the MeT department at the IGI airport.

Also, there is a high chance of rain and thundershowers on Wednesday, said the HT report, adding that a senior official said, “A western disturbance is approaching and moisture-laden easterly winds are also gathering strength. The intense heat, the western disturbance and the easterly winds are expected to trigger some rain on Wednesday.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1527596561237{border-top-width: 10px !important;border-right-width: 10px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;border-left-width: 10px !important;padding-top: 10px !important;padding-right: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;background-color: #dbdbdb !important;border-radius: 10px !important;}”]IMD Bulletin

29 May (Day 1):

♦ Heat wave conditions are very likely to occur at many parts of West Rajasthan; some parts of East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh and at one or two pockets over Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi and Vidarbha.

♦ Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places very likely over Kerala and Coastal Karnataka;

Heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with hailstorm very likely at isolated places over Uttrakhand.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal & Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, Madhya Maharashtra, Konkan & Goa, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, North Interior Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

♦ Squally wind speed  reaching 40­50 Kmph gusting to 60 Kmph very likely along  & off Kerala and Karnataka and south Maharashtra, Goa , Odisha & West Bengal Coasts, over and around Lakshadweep area and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, eastcentral & northeast Bay of Bengal. Sea conditions are likely to be rough to very rough over these areas.Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea over these areas.

♦ Duststorm at isolated places very likely over Rajasthan.

30 May (Day 2):

♦ Heat wave conditions are very likely to occur at some parts of West Rajasthan and at one or two pockets over East Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

♦ Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places very likely over Coastal Karnataka

Heavy rain at isolated places over South Interior Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with squall very likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh.

♦  Thunderstorm   accompanied   with   gusty   winds  very   likely   at   isolated   places   over   Himachal   Pradesh,   Uttarakhand,   Punjab,   Haryana, Chandigarh, & Delhi, Bihar and Sub­Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim.

♦ Squally wind speed  reaching 40­50 Kmph gusting to 60 Kmph very likely along  & off Kerala and Karnataka and south Maharashtra, Goa, Odisha & West Bengal Coasts, over and around Lakshadweep area. Sea conditions are likely to be rough to very rough over these areas. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea over these areas.

♦ Duststorm/thunderstorm at isolated places very likely over East Rajasthan and Duststorm

at isolated places very likely over West Rajasthan.

31 May(Day 3):

♦ Heat wave conditions are very likely to occur at one or two pockets over West Rajasthan and

Madhya Pradesh.

♦ Heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Coastal Karnataka, Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with squall very likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh, Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand, Bihar and Odisha.

01 June (Day 4):

♦ Heavy rain very likely at isolated places over Kerala, Coastal Karnataka and Sub­Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.

♦  Thunderstorm   accompanied   with   gusty  winds  very   likely   at   isolated  places   over   Uttar   Pradesh,   Jharkhand,   Gangetic   West   Bengal   and Odisha.

02   June  (Day   5):

♦ Heavy   rain   very   likely  at   isolated  places   over  Sub­Himalayan   West   Bengal   &   Sikkim   and   Assam   &   Meghalaya.

♦ Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds very likely at isolated places over Uttar Pradesh.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Thick smog engulfs Delhi, flights and trains delayed as air quality slips to very poor

Delhi remained under a thick smog cover as air quality dipped into the very poor category, causing delays in flights and train services due to low visibility.

Published

17 hours ago

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December 20, 2025

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delhi-air-quality

A dense blanket of smog covered Delhi on Saturday morning, pushing air quality into the ‘very poor’ category and disrupting flight and train operations across the national capital and adjoining areas. Reduced visibility due to smog led to delays in air and rail traffic, while authorities warned that pollution levels could worsen further in the coming days.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi was recorded at 380, placing it in the ‘very poor’ bracket. Visuals from Bhairav Marg near Pragati Maidan showed motorists using headlights during early hours, as visibility remained low. At around 7 am, the AQI at this location stood at 433.

Nearly half of Delhi’s air quality monitoring stations reported ‘severe’ pollution levels. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 428 with PM2.5 as the dominant pollutant, while Jahangirpuri reported an AQI of 425.

Transport services hit by low visibility

Flight operations at Delhi airport were impacted due to low visibility conditions. The airport issued an advisory asking passengers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information, as low visibility procedures were in place. Runway visibility was reported to be between 800 and 1,200 metres.

Live flight tracking data showed multiple flights running behind schedule. One airline also warned passengers about possible disruptions at several airports in northern and eastern India, including Delhi, due to dense fog conditions. Travellers were advised to verify flight status before heading to the airport, with options offered on select flights to reschedule or seek refunds without additional charges.

Rail services were also affected, with more than 30 trains running late by an average of three to four hours. Some long-distance trains reported delays of over six to eight hours, causing inconvenience to passengers travelling to and from the capital.

Air quality likely to worsen

The weather department had earlier forecast dense to very dense fog at isolated places over Delhi and several parts of north and central India. According to the Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, pollution levels are expected to remain in the ‘very poor’ category on Saturday and may slip into the ‘severe’ category on Sunday and Monday. In view of the deteriorating conditions, an ‘orange’ alert has been issued for Saturday.

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PM Modi inaugurates India’s first nature-themed airport terminal in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the new nature-themed terminal at Guwahati airport, the largest in Northeast India, built around bamboo, orchids and regional heritage.

Published

18 hours ago

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December 20, 2025

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PM modi in Assam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the new terminal building of Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport in Guwahati today, marking a major milestone for aviation infrastructure in the Northeast. Built at an estimated cost of around Rs 4,000 crore, the facility is being projected as the largest airport terminal in the region and a key boost to connectivity, tourism and economic activity in Assam.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive in Guwahati around 3 pm as part of his two-day visit to the state.

Northeast’s largest airport terminal takes shape in Guwahati

The newly constructed terminal is nearly seven times larger than the existing one and has been designed to cater to the region’s rapidly growing air traffic. Once fully operational, it is expected to handle up to 13.1 million passengers annually by 2032.

Officials said the terminal is planned as a regional connectivity hub, with a focus on strengthening air links between India and Southeast Asia. The airport will be capable of handling up to 34 air traffic movements per hour, the highest capacity among airports in the Northeast. The facility will also be equipped with one of the most advanced Instrument Landing Systems to support safer and more efficient operations.

Nature-inspired design rooted in Assam’s identity

What sets the Guwahati terminal apart is its distinctive nature-themed architecture. Conceptualised under the theme “Bamboo Orchids”, it is being described as India’s first airport terminal inspired entirely by natural and cultural elements.

The interiors draw from the landscapes of Northeast India, with design elements reflecting indigenous orchids, locally known as Kopou Phool, and the flow of the Brahmaputra river. The terminal incorporates more than 2,000 species of plants, includes a dedicated zone inspired by Kaziranga National Park, and features artefacts representing Majuli Island.

A key architectural highlight is the expansive bamboo vault, created using around 140 metric tonnes of locally sourced bamboo. The space has been envisioned as a multifunctional cultural centre aimed at encouraging community interaction and showcasing the region’s heritage. Design elements such as japi motifs, the iconic rhino symbol and 57 orchid-inspired columns further reinforce the cultural narrative.

Arriving passengers will also experience a unique “Sky Forest”, featuring nearly one lakh plants of indigenous species, designed to create an immersive forest-like ambience within the terminal.

Focus on digital integration and passenger convenience

Spread over nearly 1.4 lakh square metres, the integrated new terminal has been designed to handle around 1.3 crore passengers annually. It is supported by significant upgrades to the runway, airfield systems, aprons and taxiways.

The terminal places strong emphasis on digital integration, with 14 entry points, including four DigiYatra gates, aimed at easing passenger movement. Facilities such as full-body scanners for non-intrusive security checks, automated baggage handling systems, fast-track immigration and AI-driven airport operations have been incorporated to ensure smoother travel experiences.

Other engagements during PM Modi’s Assam visit

During his two-day stay, the Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for multiple development projects and address public gatherings. He is scheduled to visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra to pay tribute to the martyrs of the historic Assam Movement.

Later in the day, PM Modi will perform the bhoomipujan for a new brownfield Ammonia-Urea Fertiliser Project at Namrup in Dibrugarh district, within the existing premises of the Brahmaputra Valley Fertiliser Corporation Limited.

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Assam train accident: Eight elephants killed after Rajdhani Express derailment in Hojai

Eight elephants were killed after the Rajdhani Express collided with a herd in Assam’s Hojai district, causing multiple coaches to derail and disrupting train services.

Published

18 hours ago

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December 20, 2025

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assam train accident

At least eight elephants were killed and a calf was injured after a herd collided with the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district, leading to the derailment of the locomotive and five coaches early Saturday. Railway officials confirmed that no passengers were injured in the incident.

Forest department officials said the collision occurred when the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants on the tracks. The impact caused multiple coaches to derail, disrupting rail traffic on the busy route connecting the Northeast with the national capital.

Train services hit, passengers shifted to other coaches

Following the derailment, rail movement towards Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast was affected due to damaged coaches and elephant remains scattered on the tracks. Accident relief trains and senior railway officials rushed to the site to restore services.

Passengers travelling in the affected coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches of the same train. Officials said that once the train reaches Guwahati, additional coaches will be attached to ensure all passengers can continue their journey.

Collision occurred outside designated elephant corridor

According to officials, the accident took place at a location that is not marked as a designated elephant corridor. The loco pilot reportedly applied emergency brakes after spotting the herd on the tracks, but the elephants ran into the train, resulting in the collision and derailment.

Forest authorities confirmed that eight elephants died on the spot, while one injured calf was rescued. Local residents said the herd consisted of around eight elephants at the time of the accident.

Elephant deaths in train accidents remain a concern

The incident comes amid continued concerns over wildlife deaths on railway tracks. Data shared by the Environment Ministry in Parliament earlier showed that at least 79 elephants have died in train collisions across India over the past five years, based on reports from states and Union Territories.

The ministry has said that several preventive steps are being taken in coordination with the Railways, including speed restrictions in elephant habitats, use of sensor-based detection systems, and construction of underpasses, ramps and fencing at vulnerable locations. Guidelines and capacity-building programmes have also been introduced to reduce human-animal conflict along railway lines.

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