AMN / NEW DELHI
Dust storm with a wind speed of 109 KM per hour accompanied by squall hit the national capital region of Delhi this evening.
The sudden change of weather forced Delhi Airport Authorities to stop operations on the ground. At least 40 domestic flights were diverted. Metro rail movement on NOIDA-Dwarika line also holed for 30 minutes.
A senior official of India Meteorological Department Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told media that the thunderstorms will continue for the next 48 to 72 hours over North-Western, Eastern and Southern part of the country. He said, thunderstorms are occurring due to the circulation of a western disturbance in North West India and strong easterlies.
There was isolated rain and snowfall in hilly areas of Uttarakhand too. High-speed winds swept Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Pithoragarh this evening. He adds that despite dust storm in Dehradoon and its adjoining areas Chardham yatra is continuing.
In Lucknow normal life has been badly affected in several districts of Western and Bundelkhand regions of Uttar Pradesh due to gusty winds. Power supply in several areas had to be suspended.