Kolkata hit by severe windstorms, woman crushed to death by uprooted tree

By Dipaneeta Das: A woman from Kolkata died on Monday after a part of a date palm tree fell on her in the Barundra area of the city. The 42-year-old woman identified as Rajini Pandey was reportedly standing under the tree when sudden windstorms hit Kolkata on Monday evening. However, she died after a part of the tree broke and fell on her.

A series of twin squalls or intense windstorms passed over Kolkata and the southern districts of West Bengal on Monday evening. The windstorm was followed by moderate spells of rain, lightning and thunder in the capital city of Bengal. The first squall hit the city at 5:41 pm and the second at around 6 pm.

“A squall passed over Alipore observatory (Kolkata) from Northwesterly direction today on 15.05.2023 at 1741 hrs IST with maximum wind gust 84 kmph and lasted for 03 minutes,” the Alipore weather observatory said in a press release.

Another squall passed over the city of Dum Dum at 6 pm on Monday and lasted for 1 minute, the weather observatory’s press release said.
Light thunderstorm and spells of rain continued in parts of the city and adjacent districts.

WHAT IS A SQUALL?

A squall is a sudden and intense windstorm, often accompanied by heavy rain, snow, or hail. Squalls are most commonly associated with thunderstorms, winter storms, and tropical cyclones.

Squalls can be very dangerous for those caught in them, as they can cause sudden and violent changes in weather conditions.

In the open sea, squalls can cause large waves, posing danger for ships and other vessels. On land, squalls can knock down trees, power lines, and other structures, causing damage and power outages.

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In addition to strong winds and heavy precipitation, squalls can also bring sudden changes in temperature and humidity, making them challenging to predict and prepare for.

Many trees were uprooted in different parts of the city due to the harsh winds from the squall as per Kolkata Police sources.

According to Kolkata Police sources, trees fell on Hospital Road, Hastings Park Road, Hide Road, Belverdere Road, Sarat Bose Lane, D.H Road, AJC Bose Road, D.L Khan Road, Elgin Road and James Long Sarani.

TRAFFIC, TRAINS DISRUPTED

The squall hit Kolkata at a time when office-goers were on their way home, leading to heavy traffic in southern and northern parts of the city. Train movements across different sections of the suburban area were also affected.

“Tree branches fell on the overhead wire and suburban lines between Shyamnagar & Kankinara, affecting train movements over suburban lines between Shyamnagar & Naihati,” the Eastern Railways said in a press release.

Train movements in the Baruipur-Lakshmikantapur section were also affected on Monday evening as the objects entangled with overhead wires at Jayanagar station, said the press release. Nevertheless, train movement in all lines have now been restored.

Flight operations were also disrupted at Kolkata Airport due to thunderstorm and lightning. A total of five incoming flights were reportedly diverted to other airports.

On the other hand, metro services in all lines remained normal during and after the squall that hit Kolkata and adjoining areas on Monday evening.