Heavy rain disrupts flights in India, leaves 20 dead

Mumbai: Heavy rain lashed India’s financial capital Mumbai on Saturday, disrupting flights and local train services, while at least 20 people were killed in heavy rain and thunderstorms in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. “Flights from Mumbai airport have been hit badly. Some 12 international flights have been delayed and at least two cancelled. More than 10 domestic flights were also delayed due to rain,” an aviation official said.

A railway official said that local trains - the lifeline of Mumbai, in Maharashtra state - were affected by the rain too.

“Most of the trains are running late by 15 minutes due to heavy rain,” he said.

All the deaths in Uttar Pradesh took place across several districts of the state over a 24-hour period. “While some people died after trees and power poles uprooted by thunderstorms fell on them, others were killed after being struck by intense bursts of lightning,” an official said.

“Five people died in Jaunpur district and five others in Sultanpur district. Similarly, four persons died in Unnao district and three each in Baharaich and Chandauli districts,” he said. Scores have been injured by the natural calamities as well, the official added.

Local TV channels showed footage of some low-lying areas of Mumbai waterlogged, leading to slow movement of vehicles there. The Mumbai Police urged commuters to drive slowly.