IMD storm alert: Rain lashes Chandigarh; Haryana schools shut; 10 updates

At least 124 people killed and 300 injured due to dust storms and thunderstorms in 5 states, mostly in UP and Rajasthan. Haryana schools remain closed for 2 days. Find latest updates on IMD forecast

As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), early morning rains lashed Chandigarh and adjoining areas on Monday. The authorities in several states, especially Haryana and Punjab, are on a high alert following the storm advisory issued by IMD.

Taking note of IMD's warning of thunderstorms at isolated places in the state, the Haryana government had on Sunday announced the closure of all schools on Monday and Tuesday.

The Union home ministry, in a fresh advisory on Sunday, said 13 states would be affected by thunderstorms, along with squall and hail on Monday. The fresh warning came days after thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the country, claiming at least 124 lives and injuring more than 300.

According to government figures, the worst casualty was reported in Uttar Pradesh, where 73 people were killed and 91 others injured. In Rajasthan, 35 people were killed and 206 injured. Eight people were killed in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab; nearly 100 people were injured in these these three states.

Here are the top 10 developments around the recent weather conditions, today's weather forecast by IMD and the likelihood of thunderstorms in North India according:

1. Rains in Chandigarh: Chandigarh and its surrounding areas witnessed early morning rains on Monday. The city authorities are on a high alert following the storm warning issued by the met department.

2. Haryana schools closed: The Haryana government has announced that all schools will remain closed in the state on Monday and Tuesday.

State Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma on Sunday said the decision has been taken in view of the MeT Department's warning.

ALSO READ: Thunderstorm kills 124, another one likely in Delhi, UP, Rajasthan tomorrow

The weatherman has forecast thunderstorm with squall at isolated places in the state on May 7 and thunderstorm with squall and hail at some places on May 8.

3. Haryana Revenue and Disaster Management Department issues advisory: In view of the warning, 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.

All departments have been directed to stay alert, he said.

4. Thunderstorms, rains likely in 13 states, 2 UTs on Monday: At least 13 states and two Union Territories are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains on Monday (today), the Home Ministry said.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Punjab, while some places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura are likely to witness heavy rains, a Home Ministry official said quoting an Indian Meteorological Department advisory.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh.

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

5. Rain leads to a drop in temperature in Himachal Pradesh: Stormy weather conditions prevailed in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday leading to a significant drop in temperature.

Minimum temperatures dropped by three to five degrees during past 24 hours and Keylong recorded a low of 3.7 degrees Celsius while Kalpa and Manali recorded the minimum temperatures at 4.6 degrees Celsius and 6.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.

The MeT department here warned of thunderstorm accompanied by squall and hailstorm in the mid and lower hills on May 7 and 8. It predicted rains or thundershowers in the mid and lower hills and rains and snow in the higher hills till May 10.

Read More: Thunderstorm alert

Another dust storm may soon hit UP, Rajasthan; toll at 109, Agra worst hit

There is a high probability that winds will intensify in next 48 hours in Rajasthan, which may lead to another dust storm. It will affect areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan border

A severe dust storm followed by thunder showers hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan overnight, killing more than 100 people and leaving a trail of destruction. Houses collapsed and trees and poles were uprooted in the storm that also led to power outages. In Uttar Pradesh, the high-intensity dust storm left 73 people dead and 91 injured. In Rajasthan, 36 were killed, taking the combined death toll to 109. About 100 people were injured as winds over 100 kmph hit the region around 7 pm on Wednesday.

In UP, Agra district was the worst hit, accounting for 43 deaths and injuries to 35 others, officials said. Besides Agra, the other affected UP districts were Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao. In Rajasthan, Dholpur district was the worst affected with 17 killed.

Hemant Kumar Gera, Secretary, Disaster Management and Relief, said contigency funds have been released to the respective district administration. He said Rs 400,000 will be given to family members of deceased, Rs 200,000 to persons sustaining 60 per cent injuries and Rs 60,000 to people with 40 to 50 per cent injuries.

Expressing sorrow at the loss of lives due to dust storms in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today directed officials to coordinate with states to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation of those affected.

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to dust storms in various parts of India. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted quoting Modi.

ALSO READ: Nearly 100 killed in dust storm in UP, Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje expressed grief over the calamity and said authorities concerned in the districts have been directed to ensure all possible help to victims. "Condolence for families who lost their loved ones," she said on Twitter.

Taking note of the havoc caused by the dust storm in UP, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officers concerned to personally monitor relief operations and provide all necessary medical facilities to the affected. He also said that no laxity will be tolerated in providing succour to the needy.

Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, announced a compensation of up to Rs 400,000 to the next of kin of the deceased in the state.

Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 each.

Apart from Rajasthan and UP, a squall and dust storm followed by heavy rains lashed the national capital and the National Capital Region (NCR), too, bringing the minimum temperature to 22 degrees Celsius. However, the maximum temperature touched 38.3 degrees Celsius. The gusty winds toppled and fell trees at many places, blocking portions of roads, causing traffic jams in several areas.

Here are the top updates on heavy rains, dust storms and squalls in Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh:

1) Another dust storm may hit UP and Rajasthan: IMD official: Another dust storm may hit parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the next 48 hours due to cyclonic circulation formation in the region, a MeT official said today, reported PTI.

The warning came even as the two north Indian states were reeling under the impact of a severe overnight dust storm that killed nearly 100 people and left a trail of destruction.

"There is a high probability that winds will intensify in the next 48 hours in Rajasthan, which may lead to another dust storm. It will affect areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan border, especially Karauli and Dholpur," Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) scientist Himanshu Sharma told PTI.

Satellite images have shown wind pressure developing in parts of Rajasthan, which may lead to high-intensity winds and dust storm.

The meteorological department has warned that a dust storm, rainfall or thunderstorm may occur at some areas in Bikaner, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Jhunjhunu, Swai Madhopur, Sikar, Sriganganagar and Jaisalmer districts.

Yogi Adityanath announces compensation: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced a compensation of up to Rs 400,000 to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for each of the injured in the heavy rainfall and storm across the state.

2) Dust storm kills 73 in Uttar Pradesh: In Uttar Pradesh alone, the high-intensity dust storm left 73 people dead, 91 injured and 105 domesticated animals killed with Agra, Bijnor, Bareli, Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Firozabad, Chitrakoot, Muzaffarnagar, Rae Bareli and Unnao among the worst affected.

The storms also caused widespread damage to private and public property, as many houses were left battered and trees uprooted.Electricity connection in many areas was also severed as power lines and electricity poles were damaged.

Read full story:  Dust storm in UP