35-year-old struck by lightning, dies

Mumbai: A 35-year-old man died after being struck by lightning in Mahalakshmi on Friday late evening. After a few sweltering days of October, the city has been experiencing thunderstorms since two days, which is part of the retreating monsoons. A heavy downpour was recorded from many places in the city.

According to civic authorities, the deceased was identified as Pravin Tukaram Jadhav, and was a resident of the Worli area.  The man was walking home when lightning near the Mahalakshmi temple struck him.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said that loud thunder with frequent lightning flashes, moderate to heavy rain and winds with a maximum speed of 29 to 74 kmph, are expected to continue over the weekend. The IMD’s warning said, “Thunderstorms accompanied with lightning, heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places. Also, gusty winds likely to affect the north Konkan region within the next 24 hours.”

K. Hosalikar, deputy director of IMD, said, “The intensity of the rain might increase in the city. Light to moderate spells will be witnessed by Maumbaikars. A few instances of isolated heavy showers can also be experienced. The rain is likely to sustain for at least 48 hours. Continuous light rains will be observed in the coastal parts of Maharashtra. The interiors will also witness light to moderate showers,” he said.