A powerful dust storm hit Delhi-NCR on Friday evening, resulting in widespread disruptions, power outages, and the unfortunate death of one individual due to a wall collapse at an under-construction site. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended an orange alert into Saturday, warning of thunderstorms, rain, and strong surface winds continuing across the region.
Residents in several areas of the capital reported incidents of uprooted trees and fallen electric poles. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) received numerous emergency calls from locations including Connaught Place, Ashoka Road, Jor Bagh, Kalkaji, and Shahdara. These disturbances led to partial electricity outages, particularly in parts of North Delhi like Mangolpuri, Badli, Bawana, and Narela.
Flights Experienced Massive Delays
Many flights experienced delays at Indira Gandhi International Airport, and airline officials had to divert 25 flights because of the abrupt storm. Travellers reported that the situation was disorganised because of overcrowding and inadequate help, and lengthy delays. The adverse weather conditions led IndiGo along with other airline services, to face operational challenges in their Delhi and Jaipur routes.
Earlier on Saturday morning, Delhiites woke up to a bright sky with the mercury dipping to 19°C, two degrees lower than the seasonal norm. Despite the pleasant start, IMD warned of deteriorating weather by evening, forecasting gusts of up to 40 kmph and intermittent rainfall. Rainfall reports recorded Ayanagar at the top with 4.0 mm, followed by Pitampura (2.5 mm), Palam (2.0 mm), and Ridge (1.4 mm). Safdarjung, the city’s main observatory, noted 0.7 mm.
Air Quality Improves
Humidity levels remained high at 78% during the morning, while the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35°C. The air quality has slightly improved and stood at 119 (moderate) by 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, in Bihar, extreme weather wreaked havoc, with lightning and storms claiming 61 lives. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for each victim’s family.
Clear skies are expected to return by Sunday, with a possible heatwave looming by mid-April.
