Pre-monsoon showers kill three, hit flight operations in Mumbai
Three people including two children died due to electrocution as pre-monsoon showers lashed some parts of the city on Saturday evening.
A release from the municipal corporation’s disaster control room identified the deceased as Anil Yadav (32), Sara Khan (9) and Omkar Phadtare (10).
Yadav and Khan died after coming in contact with live electric wire while walking down a road in Khindipada area in Bhandup West arond 8.30 pm.
Omkar Phadtare and his friend received electric shock in Shivkripa Nagar area near Bhandup railway station. While Omkar died in hospital, his friend was seriously injured and was being treated.
Bishwombhar Singh, director in-charge, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, Mumbai said pre-monsoon showers hit the the city and other parts of Maharashtra as well.
“Monsoon is yet to arrive in the state. Pre-monsoon activities are currently seen in entire Maharashtra including Mumbai and Thane,” he said.
The showers caused waterlogging in the city, slowing down the evening traffic. Lightning and heavy winds accompanied the rains.
Flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were hit with delays in arrivals and departures and diversions of several domestic, international and cargo flights.
While Sri Lankan Airways’ Colombo-Mumbai flight was diverted to Ahmedabad, other flights of Jet Airways, GoAir, Qatar Airways and various airlines were also diverted.
Jet Airways announced that due to air traffic congestions following adverse weather conditions, delays of up to 45 minutes in departures and arrivals were expected till 11.30 pm.