(DailyChive.com) – Delhi faces a daunting test from nature as a fierce storm wreaks havoc, leaving a tragic path of destruction in its wake.
At a Glance
- Intense storm batters Delhi, resulting in fatalities and major disruptions.
- Over 200 flights were delayed; several regions experienced waterlogging.
- A house collapse in Najafgarh led to a tragic loss of four lives.
- Authorities face scrutiny over monsoon preparedness issues.
Fierce Storm Ravages the Capital
Delhi-NCR faced an intense storm on Friday with heavy rainfall, reaching up to 77 mm, and wind speeds touching 80 kilometers per hour. The storm is reported as the second-highest 24-hour rainfall event in May since record-keeping began in 1901. This severe weather led to substantial disruptions across the region, including over 200 flight delays and waterlogging in key areas such as Minto Road and ITO.
A tragic incident occurred in Dwarka’s Jaffarpur Kalan when a house collapsed under the relentless onslaught of the storm. This led to the untimely deaths of a woman and her three children. Rescue teams managed to pull them from the rubble, but it was too late to save their lives. Authorities have pledged Rs 25 lakh as ex-gratia relief for the affected family.
Airport Advisories and Public Outcry
The storm’s impact on air travel was profound, with over 100 flights delayed, diverting the journey plans of countless passengers. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have issued advisories, urging passengers to stay informed about their flights amidst the turbulent conditions. “Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we would like to confirm that the airport is operating as normal,” said the Delhi airport. 47 flights were diverted as the airport struggled to maintain operations smoothly.
Amid public outcry over infrastructure challenges, the authorities have vowed to reassess and enhance monsoon readiness measures. The severe weather has exposed significant vulnerabilities, prompting urgent calls for improved infrastructure to combat such relentless and destructive weather systems effectively.
Met Department Warnings and Future Precautions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed an orange alert over Delhi, forecasting continued heavy rain and thunderstorms in the coming days. Severe weather warnings extend to other states, requiring robust precautionary measures from residents. The storm, fueled by moisture and wind convergence from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, moved westward, affecting areas in western Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
“Delhi government has sanctioned Rs 25 Lakh as ex-gratia relief to Sh. Ajay, next of kin of four family members who lost their lives today in a tragic incident caused by heavy rain and storm in Village Kharkhari, Najafgarh” – Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
The authorities advising the public to stay indoors and restrict travel have emphasized the importance of safety precautions during such severe weather. Seeking shelter in substantial structures and avoiding trees or electric poles is advised to prevent further tragedies.
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