Patna in the Grip of Heat Wave
Patna: April 21, 2008
 It seems only yesterday when people in Bihar were complaining about 'extreme cold' in the state while accusing the government of not doing enough to provide shelter to the homeless. On Monday, however, as the temperature soared into 40s (Celsius), people were seen groaning about 'extreme heat' that could only get worse in next coming weeks.
While Bhagalpur led the state by recording 43º C on Monday, mercury in Patna rose to 40º C along with strong dust storm forcing the two-wheelers and pedestrians to cover their faces with towels. Those who could avoid, preferred to stay indoor causing a big drop on road traffic that normally are littered with protestors and rallyists making life miserable for others.
As if heat was not bad enough, frequent power cuts further worsened the situation in the state capital. Several areas in the central and southern parts of the city experienced longer than 10 hours of total blackout with Patna Electricity Supply Undertaking officials blaming overload for the burning of transformers.
According to the weather experts, things are only going to get worse in next few weeks that would soon be followed by the annual curse of flood.
|
