Delhi Drenched: Heavy Rains Cause Flooding, Flight Disruptions, and Power Outages
Delhi Braces for Strong Winds and Heavy Rains
Delhi-NCR residents woke up to a flooded city on Sunday morning after a night of intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, warning of more spells of heavy rain, strong thunderstorms, and gusty winds, making it Delhi’s wettest May on record.
Flights Grounded, Passengers Disrupted
The storm significantly impacted air travel, forcing the diversion of over 49 flights, including 17 international ones. Air India issued an advisory urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport due to widespread airspace congestion. IndiGo also reported temporary flight disruptions and advised passengers to stay updated on their flight information.
Waterlogged City Grinds to a Halt
Heavy rains caused widespread waterlogging across Delhi, snarling traffic and bringing everyday life to a standstill. Videos and images circulating online showed submerged roads, inundated underpasses, and vehicles stranded in the rising waters. Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantt, and Minto Road were particularly hard-hit, with residents struggling to navigate the flooded streets.
Infrastructure Takes a Hit
The severe weather also caused damage to infrastructure. In a tragic incident, a sub-inspector of the Ghaziabad police was killed when the roof of the assistant commissioner of police (ACP) office collapsed during the storm. A section of the external tensile fabric at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1 arrival forecourt was also damaged, though authorities stressed that there was no structural compromise.
Power Outages Add to the Chaos
Adding to the woes, widespread power outages were reported across the city, leaving many homes and businesses without electricity. The outages further compounded the difficulties faced by residents already struggling with flooded streets and transportation disruptions.
Political Finger-Pointing
The heavy rains and ensuing chaos sparked political controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticizing the BJP government for its alleged failure to manage the situation. AAP posted videos of flooded areas, highlighting the challenges faced by residents and questioning the BJP’s competence.
Delhi’s Wettest May on Record
The IMD reported that Delhi’s primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 81.2 mm of rainfall in six hours, with winds gusting up to 82 kmph. This brings the total rainfall for May to 186.4 mm, making it the wettest May on record for the city. The previous record of 165 mm was set in 2008.
