A portion of the ceiling of Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati collapsed on Sunday amid heavy rainfall and storm, causing chaos. Videos of the incident circulating on social media show the passengers shouting in surprise as a part of the ceiling above them gave away. Chaos ensued as the drenched flyers scurried to a safer place. No injuries were reported.
The storm also uprooted a big tree close to the airport and blocked a road. The authorities had to briefly halt operations and divert six flights to other destinations, a senior official said.
Speaking to news agency PTI, chief airport officer (CAO) Utpal Baruah said, "We immediately rushed there and cleared the road for a smooth supply of fuel to the terminal. It took us over half-an-hour." When the rain and storm lashed the area, a portion of the roof was blown away in the forecourt area, he added.
"It was very old and could not withstand the impact. Due to this, the ceiling broke open and water started flowing inside. However, there was no injury and everything is under control," Baruah said.
Speaking about the incident, a shopkeeper at the Guwahati airport told ANI, "Due to heavy rain, water had collected in a portion of the roof, making the ceiling heavy. After some time, the part of the roof fell... Some stalls inside the airport have also been affected due to heavy rains."
But the Guwahati airport -- operated by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd -- later released a statement that no damage was reported and no one was hurt in the roof collapse incident. "Due to heavy downpours and wind, flight operations were affected due to adverse weather conditions today evening. The approach road was blocked due to the uprooting of trees. Roof outlets heavily overflowed and water was instilled inside the terminal building. Outside the terminal building, a small portion of the ceiling fell open due to the pressure of water and wind. There is no injury or damage," the statement said.
Six flights were diverted to Agartala and Kolkata due to adverse weather conditions but normal operations have resumed now, it added.
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