Kolkata, April 17: A massive thunderstorm struck parts of West Bengal late on Tuesday bringing life to a standstill. In South Kolkata, at least seven were reported dead amid heavy rains and strong winds measuring upto 100 km/hr.

Roads across the city were clogged with severe jams as the incessant rainfall brought traffic to a standstill. The metro train services were also halted due to the high-speed winds.

“A northwesterly wind hit the city with a gale force of 98 km per hour around 7.42 pm,” Regional Meteorological Director G K Das said.

Subsequently, the Metro train services were suspended at 7:50 pm. Eastern and South Eastern Railway sources said suburban train services in Sealdah and Howrah divisions were affected as overhead wires snapped during the storm.

Air traffic was also adversely affected with several arrivals and departures being delayed till the thunderstorm clears.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has pressed its management teams into action to clear debris from at least 26 major roads in the city where trees have fallen, bringing the traffic to a halt.

The regional meteorological department had predicted rainfall in the parts of Bengal between 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday. Although the state witnessed a humid climate with overcast conditions throughout the day, the massive downpour began following the sunset.

Apart from Kolkata, heavy rainfall was reported in Bankura, Bardhaman, Birbhum, Howrah, Hugli, Puruliya parts of North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and West Midnapore districts.

Earlier in the day, heavy rains were reported in parts of western Maharashtra, including Pune, Lonavala, Satara and Mahabaleshwar. A day earlier, rains had lashed parts of north-western Karnataka.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2018 11:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).