This refers to the editorial, “Bracing for the worst” (May 5). Nature's fury has no real boundary, and from earthquakes to tornadoes, it can set in a host of disasters. The dust storm and thunder storm that took six Indian States unawares, typifies the wrath of the nature. Though not an uncommon pre-monsoon event, the scale of the storm numbed the people and scientists. Unusual or otherwise, the downburst wind, not the general horizontal, seems to have inflicted maximum damage to life and property. The wind speed pluck loose sands and dirt from the dry earth surface and carried them hundreds of miles away and beyond. Usually, the loose dust particles vibrate and leap to hit the ground repeatedly due to the downburst and rebounds to form a suspension merging with the atmosphere to produce a thunderstorm.
All along, an heightened moisture, surge in temperature and an unstable atmosphere accompany the wind. Most of India is sizzling but some are simmering and the warm temperature helped dust to move upwardly. The easterly wind from the Bay of Bengal brought in the moisture; in the absence of moisture, dust storm can wither out and fail to cause a thunderstorm. Dry land farming, drought, deforestation often lead to desertification laying bare the sand and dust. That the disaster occurred in the night could have reduced the number of casualties but it also reduced visibility through power outrages. During a storm crisis, it is important for the people to be indoors. Avoiding sleeping near buildings and electric polls, may be of some help.