IMD forecast: After dust storm hits Delhi, authorities order evening schools shut

The Delhi government has decided to close all evening schools on Tuesday following the weather department's warning about heavy rains and thunderstorm. The government said that all evening schools (the second shift which starts from the afternoon) will remain shut on Tuesday. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which operates trains in the national capital and NCR, said it would exercise extreme caution in running of trains.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by chief secretary Anshu Prakash to review preparedness in the wake of the warning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert on Monday forecasting that several parts of north India including Delhi could witness thunderstorm and squall tomorrow with winds gusting up to 50-70 kilometers per hour.

"All evening schools will remain closed on Tuesday following the weather warning," said a senior Delhi government official. The government has also issued a list of "dos and don'ts" to deal with any such possible situation. The traffic police have asked commuters to check weather conditions before travelling while the Delhi Metro also has decided to exercise extreme caution in running of trains in the wake of the warning.

Officials of the fire department, revenue, traffic police, home, PWD and others were present. The revenue department of the government has already issued directions to all district officers and said water and power utilities would also keep restoration teams ready.

The Delhi Traffic Police' advisory states that it has alerted the field formations to be ready to get obstacles such as fallen trees removed. The advisory has asked commuters to avoid travelling during the storm.

"Those who are stopping by the road or parking their vehicles have been advised to keep away from overhead electrical wires, tinned roofs, trees, etc. The commuters have been advised to take shelter under concrete structures. Drivers have been advised to use dippers or parking lights while driving," the advisory stated.

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According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and western Uttar Pradesh on Monday and Tuesday. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week.

Source: DNA India