Deadly squall batters Assam Saturday night; over 10 killed, hundreds injured

A deadly squall with winds over 112 KMPH struck death in several parts of lower Assam and Guwahati city Saturday night. At least five persons were reported dead and more than 100 injured when high velocity winds blew off roof tops, uprooted trees and caught the people unaware last evening. At least 5 persons died and over 100s were wounded as the second thunderstorm lashed Assam Saturday evening. Capital Guwahati was among the severely hit areas by what weather scientists call Squall. Several lower Assam districts on Saturday night reported death and destruction. In Guwahati, two women died in the squall. At Shantipur, a woman died reportedly after she was struck by a lightning that accompanied the squall. In another incident at Kahilipara area of the city, a pregnant woman was killed when her house collapsed under the impact of the storm. A transformer was damaged in Lalganesh area. The city plunged into darkness for several hours as electricity failed due to the storm. The other deaths were reported from Darang, Goalpara and Dhubri districts. In the outskirts of the city 10 people were reported injured in Sualkuchi and Hajo areas as they were hit by objects carried by the squall. Guwahati University campus and police reserve were also severely hit. The worst hit districts are Kamrup (Rural), Kamrup (Metro), Goalpara, Darrang, Chirang, Baksa, Nalbari and Barpeta. More than 1,500 homes were damaged and road communication was severely disrupted in several areas with uprooted trees and electric poles blocking highways and other roads. In Guwahati, at least 30 people were injured with trees falling on moving vehicles, while flying tin roofs in several areas wounded pedestrians caught unawares by the sudden thunderstorm. This is the second massive thunderstorm to have hit Assam this fortnight. On April 16, a cyclonic storm damaged up to 300 homes in several parts of the state. The meteorological department Sunday predicted more rain and thunderstorms over most parts of Assam in the next couple of days. According to MET sources the squall originating from the northwest of Himalayan region passed through Assam areas. The twister also caused widespread damage in the northeastern parts of West Bengal.

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