The night of May 25, 2025, saw Delhi grappling with a severe thunderstorm that tested the city’s infrastructure and preparedness. The storm, characterized by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning, led to significant disruptions across the capital.
Air Travel Disruptions
Indira Gandhi International Airport experienced substantial disruptions due to the storm. Over 200 flights were delayed, with some diverted to nearby airports. The adverse weather conditions led to reduced visibility and challenging landing and takeoff conditions. Passengers faced extended waiting times, and many were stranded as the airport struggled to manage the situation.
The storm’s impact on air travel highlighted the need for airports to enhance their resilience to extreme weather events and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during such incidents.
Urban Flooding and Infrastructure Challenges
The heavy rainfall from the storm led to widespread waterlogging in various parts of Delhi. Areas like Minto Bridge, RK Puram, and Lajpat Nagar were submerged, causing significant traffic disruptions. Commuters were stranded for hours, and many vehicles were damaged due to the flooding.
The city’s drainage system, already under strain due to rapid urbanization, struggled to cope with the sudden influx of water. Uprooted trees and fallen electricity poles further exacerbated the situation, leading to power outages in several neighborhoods.
Loss of Life and Human Tragedy
In Dwarka’s Kharkhari Canal village, a tragic incident occurred when a tree uprooted by the storm fell on a tubewell room, resulting in the deaths of four family members, including three children. The family had sought shelter from the rain but found themselves victims of the storm’s fury.
This incident underscores the importance of assessing and mitigating risks associated with informal settlements and ensuring that residents have access to safe shelter during extreme weather events.
Government Response and Public Sentiment
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted on-ground inspections in waterlogged areas such as Majnu Ka Tila and directed officials to identify and resolve waterlogging issues across the city. She emphasized the need for immediate action to address the challenges posed by the storm.
While the government’s response was swift, public sentiment remains mixed. Many residents expressed frustration over the recurring nature of such incidents and called for long-term solutions to address the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events.
Meteorological Insights
The IMD attributed the storm’s intensity to a combination of factors, including moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal and a western disturbance affecting the region. These conditions led to the formation of a low-pressure area over northwest India, resulting in heavy rainfall and strong winds.