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Maharashtra Braces for 5-Day Storm Fury: IMD Issues Thunderstorm Alert

The India Meteorological Department has forecast severe thunderstorms, hail, and lightning for multiple regions of Maharashtra from April 20 to 24. The State Emergency Action Center has issued urgent advisories, urging citizens to immediately seek shelter and avoid open fields, trees, and water bodies during storms. All district agencies, including police and health departments, have been instructed to raise public awareness and keep emergency services on standby. The state has also called for the temporary suspension of agricultural work, construction, and large public gatherings like yatras and religious events.

Key Points: Maharashtra Thunderstorm Alert April 20-24: IMD Warns of Hail, Lightning

  • IMD 5-day severe weather warning
  • Gale winds, hail & lightning forecast
  • Public urged to avoid open fields & trees
  • Farmers told to halt field work
  • Large gatherings & yatras to be suspended
2 min read

Thunderstorm, hailstorm and lightning warning in Maharashtra from April 20 to 24; State Emergency Action Center appeals citizens to be vigilant

IMD warns of thunderstorms, hail & lightning across Maharashtra from April 20-24. State issues urgent safety guidelines for citizens, farmers, and event organizers.

"citizens are advised to seek shelter at home or in a safe place immediately - State Emergency Action Center"

Mumbai, April 21

The State Emergency Action Center has appealed to the districts of Madhya Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Konkan to be alert after the India Meteorological Department on Monday released a five-day forecast stating that there is a possibility of gale force winds, lightning, hail and rain in various parts of the state from April 20 to 24.

Against this backdrop, citizens have been urged to take necessary precautions.

As soon as lightning is heard or flashes are seen, citizens are advised to seek shelter at home or in a safe place immediately and to avoid standing under trees, in open fields, near water or near iron objects. The citizens are also advised not to use mobile phones or other electronic devices in open spaces. If away from shelter, people should sit down with legs together without lying on the floor.

Gram panchayat, police and health departments are asked to immediately create public awareness. Ambulance, fire brigade and emergency teams are to be kept ready.

Schools, auditoriums and public buildings must be kept open for safe shelter. The State Emergency Action Center has urged for the circulation of the updated warnings of the IMD to be immediately conveyed to the village level.

Farmers are advised to avoid field work during lightning warning period. Work at construction sites should be stopped temporarily.

It has also called for immediate suspension of yatras, religious events and large gatherings.

The State Emergency Operations Center has instructed all the concerned agencies to be alert and appealed to the citizens not to believe in rumours, but to follow the official instructions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The advice to stop construction work is crucial. Too many migrant workers get injured or worse during such storms because contractors ignore warnings. Authorities must enforce this strictly.
A
Aditya G
Suspending yatras and large gatherings is the right call, but will it be followed? We've seen in the past how religious events continue despite red alerts. Public safety must come first.
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Sarah B
The instruction about not using mobile phones in open spaces is something many people don't know. This kind of specific, life-saving advice needs to be circulated on WhatsApp groups and local radio.
V
Vikram M
Worried about the farmers. Hailstorm can destroy standing crops in minutes. Hope the insurance and relief machinery is also kept ready, not just the ambulances. Jai Kisan.
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Karthik V
While the advisory is comprehensive, I hope the 'public buildings kept open' part actually happens. Many times, schools and offices are locked after hours. We need designated, accessible shelters.
M
Meera T
Stay safe, everyone! Let's look out for our neighbours, especially the elderly. And please, don't step out to take videos of the hail and lightning. It's not worth the risk! ⚡

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