Bhopal, April 4: A sudden change in weather wreaked havoc in several districts of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, with heavy rainfall and hailstorms causing significant damage. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this shift was triggered by a western disturbance, severely impacting areas including Gwalior.
The most significant effects were observed in Gwalior and its surrounding regions, where heavy rain was followed by two instances of hail. Between approximately 3:50 PM and 4:05 PM, hailstones measuring about 2.5 centimeters in diameter fell, marking a rare occurrence that broke a 50-year record. Prior to this, hailstones of 1.5 centimeters also fell for nearly ten minutes.
During this event, six individuals, including two women, sustained injuries. A wall of a private hospital collapsed amid the heavy rain, damaging several vehicles. The streets of the city were covered in a thick white layer of hail, creating a scene reminiscent of snowfall.
Irregular weather patterns were also noted in other districts. In Bhind district’s Lahar tehsil, several villages experienced light hail accompanied by strong winds, while the city recorded only light rain.
In Betul district, the Mulati area and its surroundings were blanketed in white due to strong winds, rain, and hail. Farmers reported that wheat, chickpeas, and other crops were completely destroyed.
In Morena district, hail the size of chickpeas fell along with rain from Kailaras to Kumheri. In Barwani, unseasonal rain poses a threat to ripe wheat crops, dollar chickpeas, and corn.
Farmers are deeply concerned. In many areas, harvested crops are lying in the fields, deteriorating due to rain and hail, while standing crops have also suffered severe damage.
According to Ved Prakash Singh, a senior scientist at the IMD’s Bhopal center, this weather change was due to the western disturbance. The department has warned that until April 5, many areas may experience strong winds, lightning, and hail at speeds of 60-70 kilometers per hour.
While the general public has found some relief from the intense heat, this weather has become a significant challenge for farmers. The administration is monitoring the situation, and damage assessments are underway.
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