A powerful dust storm accompanied by heavy rainfall swept through Delhi and the National Capital Region , causing significant disruptions to air travel and resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The storm led to widespread waterlogging, flight delays, and damage to infrastructure across the region.
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were severely impacted, with approximately 120 flights delayed and several others diverted to alternative airports such as Ahmedabad and Jaipur. Passengers faced average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures, as reported by airport authorities. Airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, issued advisories urging travellers to check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
Tragically, a woman and her three children lost their lives in Delhi’s Dwarka area when a tree, uprooted by the strong winds, fell onto their residence. Emergency services responded promptly, but the family succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for Delhi, warning of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall. Wind speeds reached up to 80 km/h, leading to the uprooting of trees and damage to power lines in several areas. Waterlogging was reported in multiple localities, including Khanpur, South Extension, Minto Road, Lajpat Nagar, and Moti Bagh, causing traffic disruptions and posing challenges for commuters.
Rail services were also affected, with approximately 15 to 20 trains experiencing delays due to fallen trees obstructing tracks. The storm’s intensity led to power outages in parts of the city, further compounding the difficulties faced by residents.
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