🌩️ Delhi-NCR Weather Chaos: Storms, Tragedy, and Travel Disruptions
On the early morning of May 2, 2025, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) were struck by a severe dust storm followed by heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, leading to significant disruptions and tragic incidents across the city.
🌀 The Storm Unleashed
The day began with strong winds reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h, accompanied by a dense dust storm that reduced visibility and uprooted trees. This was soon followed by intense rainfall and thunderstorms, causing widespread waterlogging and infrastructural damage.
✈️ Flight Operations Disrupted
- The adverse weather conditions severely impacted air travel
- Over 100 flights were delayed, and approximately 40 were diverted from Indira Gandhi International Airport due to poor visibility and safety concerns.
- A metal structure at Terminal 3 collapsed under the force of the storm, further complicating airport operations
🚧 Urban Infrastructure Strained
The heavy rains led to severe waterlogging in several parts of Delhi-NCR, including:
- Dwarka Underpass
- South Extension
- Ring Road
- Minto Road
- RK Puram
- Lajpat Nagar
These conditions resulted in massive traffic snarls and public inconvenience.
🏚️ Tragic Loss of Lives
The storm's fury led to heartbreaking incidents:
- In Kharkhari Nahar village, Najafgarh, a woman and her three children lost their lives when a tree uprooted by strong winds fell onto their home.
- In Mustafabad, a four-story residential building collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including three children. Rescue operations continued as several others were feared trapped under the debris.
⚠️ IMD's Red Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR, forecasting more severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds. Residents were advised to stay indoors and take necessary precautions.
This unprecedented weather event has highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in urban areas. As the city recovers, authorities are urged to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such natural calamities in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on the situation as it develops.