Delhi woke up to a sudden and intense dust storm on Friday morning, which was quickly followed by heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds. The storm wreaked havoc across the National Capital Region (NCR), causing major disruptions, infrastructural damage, and tragically, the loss of four lives. This severe weather event prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for Delhi, warning of squally winds reaching speeds of 70-80 km/h, along with thunderstorms and lightning.

At 5:19 am, the IMD issued a post on X (formerly Twitter), warning residents about the extreme weather conditions and urging caution. Their update said: "Severe thunder lightning squally winds 70-80 km/h likely over Delhi during next 2 hours." In subsequent updates, the IMD warned of moderate to intense spells of rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging between 40-90 km/h. The effects of these weather conditions were felt in Delhi, NCR, and neighboring states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Tragic Incident in Dwarka

Among the most heartbreaking incidents caused by the storm was the collapse of a tree in Dwarka, a locality in Delhi. The tree fell onto a house, resulting in the tragic death of a woman and her three children. The high-speed winds were the primary cause of the tree's uprooting. The loss of life deeply affected the residents, with many taking to social media to express their grief and concern.

Airport and Flight Disruptions

The storm caused severe disruption at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of the busiest airports in the country. A metal structure at Terminal 3 collapsed, leading to flight delays and diversions. Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) confirmed that weather-related disruptions had affected several flights, and they were coordinating efforts to minimize the inconvenience. Airlines such as Air India and IndiGo issued advisories, urging passengers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.

Traffic and Infrastructure Damage

The impact of the storm was felt not only in the air but also on the ground. Delhi's roadways were severely affected by the downpour, resulting in severe waterlogging in multiple locations. Areas like Dwarka Underpass, South Extension, Ring Road, Minto Road, RK Puram, and Lajpat Nagar were severely inundated, causing traffic snarls and public inconvenience. Trees were uprooted, and power lines were damaged, compounding the disruptions throughout the city.

Extreme Weather and Public Reaction

The weather conditions between 5:30 am and 5:50 am were particularly severe. Wind speeds reached 78 km/h in Pragati Maidan, 62 km/h in Palam, and between 52–59 km/h in Lodhi Road, Pitampura, Nazafgarh, and IGNOU. As the storm raged on, residents shared their experiences on social media, expressing awe and alarm at the intensity of the weather. Some described the storm as "majestic and powerful", while others feared it could be a sign of something much worse, like a war. One user even remarked, "In Delhi, every weather is extreme."

IMD's Advisory

In light of the ongoing weather, the IMD advised residents to stay indoors, avoid taking shelter under trees, unplug electronic devices, and remain cautious around water bodies and electrical conductors. The IMD also cautioned that kutcha houses and vulnerable structures could suffer partial damage due to flying debris and high winds. The department has issued a yellow alert, forecasting continued heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds for the next few days.

Conclusion

As the storm continues to impact Delhi and NCR, authorities are working diligently to manage the crisis and ensure the safety of residents. The IMD's warnings and the city’s emergency response systems will be crucial in minimizing further damage. The coming days may bring additional challenges, as the forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to persist.

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