GUWAHATI, Aug 3 � A heavy downpour, accompanied by unprecedented lightning, paralyzed normal life in and around Guwahati today evening. The rains which started around 7 pm ended the heat and humidity persisting over several days, but caused extensive flooding in many areas of the city.
Soon after the rains intensified, electricity supply to many parts of the city was disrupted.
People were stranded in bus stops and in vehicles as roads were inundated by rushing water. It was several hours before they could eventually move towards their destinations.
The arterial GNB road was flooded and parts of RG Baruah road also went under water. In both the routes hapless motorists had to negotiate threatening water levels, while many others could only take shelter under bus stops. A large number of neighbourhoods in the city experienced flooding, but the full extent will be known only by tomorrow morning.
However, one thing that became reinforced was the inability of Guwahati's urban infrastructure to cope with a heavy shower. Today's rains highlighted the fact that crores of rupees spent on improving the storm water network of the city has literally gone down the drain.
For a long duration, the city also witnessed spectacular lightning activity, which was a cause of concern for many who were left stranded out of doors.
Reports have also come in about mobile connectivity being affected by the thunderstorm.
