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Guwahati: A part of the ceiling outside the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport collapsed following a sudden storm accompanied by heavy rainfall in Guwahati, Assam on Sunday. Operations were halted briefly and six flights were diverted after heavy winds wreaked havoc at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
While no injuries were reported, airport sources said, adding that the collapse was caused by an overflowing outlet pipe and heavy winds. A video of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, showed a portion of the ceiling suddenly collapsing, with passengers and airport staff running to take cover.
Several videos recorded by fliers inside the airport showing rainwater flooding the premises have gone viral on social media. The Chief Airport Officer (CAO) Utpal Baruah told media that the storm uprooted a big tree at the Oil India complex outside the airport and blocked a road.
About this incident, he said,”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 also said that water entered the terminal from the ceiling. IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express flights were diverted to Agartala and Kolkata.
He said,”I am personally monitoring the situation so that passengers do not face any inconvenience. Due to the storm and heavy rain, the visibility dropped drastically and we had to divert six flights.” “The visibility has improved and normal operations have resumed. Flights have started landing in Guwahati,” he added.
