Heavy Rains and Storms Batter Delhi-NCR: 4 Dead, 100 Flights Delayed
A severe thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and gusty winds, struck Delhi-NCR early Friday, causing major disruption and tragic loss of life. Over 100 flights were delayed and more than 40 diverted as the region faced intense weather conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) initially issued a red alert, later downgraded to orange, warning of winds reaching up to 80 kmph.
Tragedy unfolded in Dwarka’s Jaffarpur Kalan, where a neem tree collapsed onto a tube well room in Khadkhadi Nahar village, killing a 26-year-old woman, Jyoti, and her three children. Despite rescue efforts, all were declared dead at RTR Hospital. The woman’s husband, Ajay, sustained minor injuries.
The Safdarjung area recorded wind gusts of 80 kmph, with rainfall touching nearly 8 cm in just three hours. Major locations including Pragati Maidan, Pitampura, and Lodi Road witnessed high wind speeds and heavy downpour. Waterlogging brought traffic to a standstill in areas like Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, and Dwarka, further compounding the morning rush-hour chaos.
Delhi Airport authorities confirmed that operations continue, though flights are affected. Airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited flood-impacted zones and directed swift relief efforts.
IMD has also issued storm warnings for parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
