Heavy Rains Batter Delhi-NCR, 4 Of Family Member Dead; Red Alert Issued; Over 100 Flights Delayed
Heavy rainfall accompanied by squally winds lashed Delhi and parts of the NCR on Friday morning, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for the capital. More than 100 flights at Delhi Airport were delayed, and several areas including Lajpat Nagar, RK Puram, and Dwarka reported severe waterlogging.
Amid relentless rainfall in Delhi-NCR, four members of a family, including three children, lost their lives when a tree crashed onto their home, causing the roof to collapse in southwest Delhi’s Kharkhari Nahar village near Jaffarpur Kalan, Dwarka, on Friday.
Following a distress call to the police control room (PCR), authorities swiftly responded, rushing to the site. Police, along with fire department rescue teams, worked to extricate the victims trapped under the debris. The victims, identified as Jyoti, 26, and her three children, were pulled out and immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Tragically, doctors pronounced them dead on arrival.
Jyoti’s husband, Ajay, sustained minor injuries in the incident, officials confirmed. The heavy downpour, which triggered widespread waterlogging across the capital, prompted the weather department to issue a red alert, warning of further disruptions.
The IMD forecast warned of thunderstorms and strong winds reaching up to 80 km/h over the next few hours, urging residents to remain indoors and take necessary precautions.
Operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were significantly impacted as low visibility and gusty winds led to flight delays.
“Due to bad weather in Delhi, flight operations are impacted. Passengers are requested to connect with the airline concerned for updated flight information,” Delhi Airport said in a post on X.
A video circulating on social media showed a metal structure reportedly collapsing at Terminal 3 of the airport. However, airport authorities later clarified that no such structural damage occurred.
Airlines including Air India and IndiGo also issued advisories urging passengers to check their flight status due to weather-induced disruptions.
The sudden storm uprooted trees, damaged temporary structures, and disrupted power supply in some localities. Residents in vulnerable housing and open areas have been advised to exercise caution as flying debris may cause injuries or structural damage.
The IMD warned people against taking shelter under trees, using electrical appliances during thunderstorms, or approaching open water bodies.
“Stay indoors. Avoid travel if possible. Disconnect all electrical appliances and avoid open areas during severe thunderstorms,” the IMD said in its public advisory.
Friday’s rain brought a temporary relief from the sweltering heat, with temperatures expected to hover around 39°C. The minimum temperature was recorded around 27°C in the morning.
The weather bureau has forecast more rainfall and thunderstorms over the next three days, with a yellow alert in place after today’s red warning. Gusty surface winds are also likely to persist.
