Heavy rain in Delhi-NCR: 4 dead, flights disrupted, red alert issued

Severe thunderstorms and a dust storm swept through Delhi-NCR early Friday, causing heavy rainfall, flight disruptions, and loss of life. The storm began with strong gusts and thick dust clouds, followed by intense rain and lightning, bringing early morning chaos to the city.

A woman and her three children died in Kharkhari Canal village in Dwarka after a tree collapsed on their home due to high-speed winds. The woman's husband sustained minor injuries. Strong winds, measured at 70–80 kmph, uprooted trees and damaged property in several parts of Delhi.

2nd May, 2025 | Delhi NCR |
Storms and heavy showers across #Delhi NCR in the early morning hours.
This is a start of abnormally wet weather in north and west #India which would last daily for another 7-10 days, rare for the month of May where storms usually hit 2-3 days in the… pic.twitter.com/kvZbUzB6zf

— Weatherman Navdeep Dahiya (@navdeepdahiya55) May 1, 2025

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were hit hard. According to FlightRadar, arrival delays averaged 21 minutes, while departure delays reached 61 minutes. Over 20 departing flights were delayed, and several incoming flights from cities like Bangalore and Pune were diverted to Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Air India confirmed the disruptions and said it was working to minimize passenger inconvenience.

In an advisory posted on X, the Delhi Airport stated, "Due to thunderstorms and bad weather in Delhi, some flights have been impacted. Our ground staff is working closely with all stakeholders to maintain a smooth passenger experience. Travelers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates."

Waterlogging was reported in many areas including Minto Road, Khanpur, Lajpat Nagar, Moti Bagh, and South Extension. Videos showed submerged vehicles and stranded commuters navigating flooded streets and underpasses. Fallen trees blocked key roads, and municipal workers were seen clearing debris to restore traffic flow.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Friday and a yellow alert through Saturday, forecasting heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and squally winds. Rare hailstorms were also reported in parts of the city. The IMD said more rain is likely across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh.

Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma inspected waterlogged areas, starting from 5:30 a.m. He visited Minto Bridge, where he found a burst pipe and ordered immediate repairs. He confirmed that all pumps were functioning and staff remained alert. NDMC Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal also visited waterlogged areas like Africa Avenue.

Municipal agencies including PWD, MCD, NDMC, and DJB continued cleanup efforts throughout the day. They focused on clearing drains, removing fallen trees, and restoring normal conditions ahead of the monsoon.

The storm brought a sharp temperature drop. Delhi recorded a low of 19.8°C in the morning, compared to 38.1°C the day before. The weather change offered relief from the ongoing heatwave but left the city facing widespread disruption.

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