IMD storm alert: Rain lashes Chandigarh; Haryana schools shut; 10 updates

As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), early morning rains lashed Chandigarh and adjoining areas on Monday. The authorities in several states, especially Haryana and Punjab, are on a high alert following the storm advisory issued by IMD.

Taking note of IMD's warning of thunderstorms at isolated places in the state, the Haryana government had on Sunday announced the closure of all schools on Monday and Tuesday.

The Union home ministry, in a fresh advisory on Sunday, said 13 states would be affected by thunderstorms, along with squall and hail on Monday. The fresh warning came days after thunderstorms wreaked havoc across the country, claiming at least 124 lives and injuring more than 300.

According to government figures, the worst casualty was reported in Uttar Pradesh, where 73 people were killed and 91 others injured. In Rajasthan, 35 people were killed and 206 injured. Eight people were killed in Telangana, six in Uttarakhand and two in Punjab; nearly 100 people were injured in these these three states.