Sudden showers catch residents by surprise; 5 tree fall cases reported

THANE: The sudden showers, along with thunder and lightening on Friday caused a lot of inconvenience to residents as traffic jams were reported across key junctions in the city. Several tree fall cases, power snags and vehicles going up in flames were also reported as there was severe lightning.

The rains began in the evening when office-goers were heading home. Most were caught unaware by the sudden showers as it was bright and sunny during the day.

Residents were turned down by taxi and auto drivers and even buses were running behind schedule.

Around five trees fall incidents were reported in several parts of the city, leading to traffic jams at several places. A high-end car went up in flames at Ghodbunder Road. Stretches like Naupada, Ghodbunder, Kopri and Pokhran faced traffic jams during the evening.

''The sudden rain took everyone by surprise. Initially, I was turned down by many auto driver. But finally when I managed to get one, I was caught up in traffic for almost 20 minutes at Kopri.

The disaster management cell of the TMC received around 15 calls to carry out rescue operations.

Meanwhile, in a freak mishap, the house of Thane deputy mayor Ramakant Madhavi at Diva village was struck by lightning, leading to damage of electronic goods. However, no one suffered any injuries.

The city recorded around 3,462mm of rainfall till October 6 since the start of monsoon in June, which is more than what was recorded last year at 3,390mm.

"The reservoirs are full to the brim and there may not be any pressing need to impose water cuts this season in the city," said an irrigation department official.