Delhi-NCR Storm Turns Deadly: 4 Lives Lost, Flights Delayed, and Metro Paralyzed Amid Mayhem

Delhi-NCR Storm Turns Deadly: 4 Lives Lost, Flights Delayed, and Metro Paralyzed Amid Mayhem
Jitendra Kumar
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New Delhi, May 2, 2025 –
A powerful thunderstorm swept across the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday evening, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm resulted in at least four fatalities, severe delays in flight operations, partial suspension of metro services, widespread power outages, and significant infrastructure damage. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that wind gusts reached up to 100 km/h during the storm, which also brought heavy rainfall and sudden dust squalls.

Tragedy Strikes: Four Lives Lost

Authorities confirmed that four people lost their lives in different parts of the capital due to storm-related incidents. Among them was a 56-year-old woman in East Delhi’s Pandav Nagar, who died when a large tree branch fell on her as she was walking home.

In another incident, a 19-year-old man was killed when a partially constructed wall collapsed during the high winds in the Jaitpur area of South Delhi. Officials reported that two other people in the vicinity were injured and are currently being treated.

The most devastating case occurred in a low-income settlement in North East Delhi, where a tree crashed onto a small makeshift dwelling, killing a father, mother, and child while they were asleep. Emergency responders pulled a fourth family member from the rubble with serious injuries.

Local authorities have promised compensation to the victims’ families and pledged to review structural hazards in storm-prone neighborhoods.

The Science Behind the Storm

Meteorologists from the IMD said the thunderstorm was the result of a western disturbance interacting with localized heat and moisture, triggering the sudden squall. “Wind speeds touched between 70 and 100 km/h, accompanied by lightning, dust, and a sudden drop in temperature,” said Dr. Naresh Kumar, IMD’s senior meteorologist.

The storm caused the mercury to plummet from 40.6°C to 25.2°C within an hour — one of the sharpest temperature falls recorded in May in the past four years.

“While dust storms and pre-monsoon showers are not uncommon during this time, the severity and speed of this one caught many by surprise,” added Dr. Kumar.

Flight Operations in Disarray

The Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) experienced severe disruptions, with over 200 flight departures and arrivals delayed between 6 PM and midnight. Airlines struggled to manage passenger flow as storm winds grounded aircraft and significantly reduced visibility.

More than a dozen flights were diverted to other cities such as Jaipur and Amritsar. Passengers reported being stuck on planes on the tarmac for over an hour, while others were forced to wait in overcrowded terminals.

An official from Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) said operations were gradually restored after midnight, but delays persisted into Friday morning.

Metro Services Temporarily Halted

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that multiple lines were affected, particularly the Blue and Violet lines. Services were temporarily suspended due to fallen trees and damage to overhead electric wires.

“Metro services resumed after two hours once our teams cleared debris and ensured the safety of tracks,” DMRC said in a statement. Commuters stranded during peak evening hours were forced to seek alternative transport, leading to further chaos on city roads.

Passengers took to social media to share photos and videos of crowded platforms, snapped cables, and tree branches strewn across metro property.

Traffic Gridlock and Power Cuts Across the City

The city’s already burdened roads were brought to a standstill as the storm hit during evening rush hour. Waterlogging, fallen trees, and traffic signal outages caused jams on arterial roads such as Outer Ring Road, NH-9, Mathura Road, and the DND Flyway.

The Delhi Traffic Police reported over 100 complaints related to blocked roads, and deployed additional personnel overnight to assist stranded motorists.

Meanwhile, residents across several localities — including Lajpat Nagar, Green Park, Pitampura, and parts of Noida — faced power outages lasting between three to eight hours. BSES and NDPL said dozens of feeders were damaged due to falling branches and electrical surges.

Infrastructure Damage and Civic Response

Municipal corporations reported that over 250 trees were uprooted and nearly 30 lamp posts and hoardings were knocked down. At least two under-construction buildings in Dwarka and Karol Bagh suffered structural damage.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), and Fire Department teams worked through the night to clear roads and restore power lines.

Officials urged residents to report any structural damage, dangling wires, or tree blockages through the city’s emergency helpline.

Government Response and Preparedness

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held a review meeting with disaster management officials and emphasized the need to improve readiness for sudden weather events.

“The government is taking this seriously. We are assessing damages and will take steps to strengthen infrastructure resilience — especially in high-density areas,” said Gupta. “Our thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones.”

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) also issued a safety advisory for residents: stay indoors during strong winds, avoid using elevators in high-rise buildings during power cuts, and keep emergency kits handy.

A Wake-Up Call Amid Changing Climate

Environmental experts highlighted that such weather phenomena are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. “Rapid urbanization, poor drainage systems, and loss of green cover make Delhi especially vulnerable,” said Dr. Anjal Prakash, a climate policy researcher.

Dr. Prakash emphasized the importance of integrating climate resilience into urban planning. “We need green corridors, storm shelters, and a robust early warning system that can communicate with citizens in real time,” he added.

Last month, the IMD recorded similarly erratic weather across Eastern and Central India, and storms in neighboring Nepal caused dozens of fatalities — highlighting the broader regional vulnerability to climate disruption.

Public Voices: Chaos, Caution, and Concern

Many Delhiites recounted harrowing experiences during the storm. “I was on my scooter near Rajouri Garden when the winds started. I had to abandon the bike and take shelter at a petrol pump,” said Satish Mehta, a delivery worker.

Others shared videos of trees falling on cars, air conditioners toppling from balconies, and flooded streets. “It felt like a mini-cyclone. My building shook when the gusts hit,” said Neha Kapoor, a resident of Dwarka.

Social media was flooded with images and messages, some expressing frustration at the lack of preparedness, and others calling for better coordination between municipal agencies and weather departments.

Journalist Details

Jitendra Kumar
Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.