01 October,2014 06:44 AM IST | | Neha LM Tripathi and Pooja Kalwar
City and suburbs witnessed heavy rain along with lightning and thunder yesterday, causing train services to be delayed and waterlogging; nearly 200 trees that gave way added to the woes
Citizens got some respite from the sweltering heat yesterday, when heavy rains lashed in many parts of the city and its suburbs. However, the surprise rains left behind waterlogged streets, uprooted trees, traffic jams and other issues for Mumbaikars to deal with.
Lightning seen above an under-construction building in Wadala and on the highway near Ghatkopar. Met department says thundershowers will continue to hit the city in the next two days. Pics/Sameer Markande and Shadab Khan
Mercury levels went from 34.7 degree Celsius on Sunday to 37 degree Celsius on Monday, and Tuesday was as hot till evening. However, at 6.30 pm, heavy rainfall was observed across Mumbai, accompanied by winds that touched speeds of 112 kmph. The wind caused an asbestos sheet on Currey Road station to come apart, and also uprooted hundreds of trees in the city.
A fire department official told mid-day, "There was utter chaos in our office yesterday due to the rains, since nearly 200 trees were reported fallen." Waterlogging was also observed at Hindmata (Parel), Byculla, Dadar, Kurla and Currey Road station. As a result, traffic was slow moving and jams were seen in several places.
Fire officials said nearly 200 trees fell due to the rains yesterday
Effects on health
Doctors are also worried the sudden fluctuation in temperatures will cause Mumbaikars to fall ill. Dr Sadanand Rao, a general physician, explained, "Weather changes can lead to conjunctivitis, cough, cold, fever and other viral infections.
Therefore, one can prevent these conditions by maintaining hygiene in all senses, right from clothes to your surroundings. The most basic precaution to take is to avoid outside food, and drink only boiled or filtered water." Dr Gaurang Tolat, another general physician, added, "The number of diseases in the city increases when the weather changes.
To prevent illnesses, one should stop eating food from outside. These are the two things (weather and food) that lead to viral fever, cough and cold." According to the Met department, the sky is expected to be partly cloudy for the next 48 hours. Rain and thundershowers are expected in the city and suburbs.
When asked why the rains had suddenly arrived after two scorching days, V K Rajeev, director, IMD, said, "The cause for increase in temperature is because the wind direction has changed. Lack of humidity had also caused the heat. Tuesday evening's rains are a part of the withdrawal of monsoon."
