Unseasonal rain in MP

Bhopal, Apr 19 (UNI) Unseasonal precipitation continued in Madhya Pradesh even as life was thrown off gear today in Jhabua and Dhar districts in the state's western part.

Reports said that the mango crop sustained damage at several places while lightning strikes killed four people and injured six.

''The showers are courtesy upper air cyclonic circulation over the state's north-west. Rainfall is likely over the next 24 hours,'' a Regional Meteorological Centre spokesman said.

A UNI report from Jhabua district headquarters said that an evening downpour, accompanied by winds, lasted more than half an hour. Many thatched roofs were blown off and trees fell. Rain occurred even in the vicinity of Jhabua town.

Inclement weather prevented mass marriages at Dhar district headquarters. Kukshi tahsil and half-a-dozen neighbouring villages experienced winds and showers yesterday. Hail was recorded at isolated locations.

A lightning fatality each occurred at Barwani district's Borwada and Khokharamba villages. Similar deaths took place at Chhindwara district's Mandangarh and Gadepalli where six people were also injured.

Day temperature was above normal in the state's central and northern parts. The mercury was at a steady maximum of 43 degrees Celsisus for a week at Sheopur. Bhopal, Gwalior and Indore experienced highs in the range of 40 degrees C. In the east, Jabalpur, Rewa and Satna recorded maximum between 35 degrees C and 38 degrees C. Indore experienced an evening drizzle.

UNI