A powerful spell of heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed Delhi in the early hours of Sunday, causing widespread waterlogging, uprooting trees, disrupting road traffic, and impacting air travel.
Visuals from Delhi Cantt showed vehicles, including a bus, submerged under an inundated underpass — a stark indicator of the storm’s intensity. Several key areas such as ITO, Dhaula Kuan, Subroto Park, Nanakpura Underpass, and Chanakyapuri were severely waterlogged, leading to major traffic congestion across the city.
Storm-related damage also included uprooted trees at Akbar Road and in other parts of the capital. Meanwhile, flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected, with 49 flights diverted between 11:30 pm and 4:00 am due to poor weather conditions.
In response, the Delhi Airport issued a travel advisory early Sunday, stating:
“Due to adverse weather conditions last night, some flights have been impacted. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly and stay in touch with airline staff for updates.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert on Saturday, warning of imminent thunderstorms, high-speed winds (up to 60 km/h), and heavy rainfall. A thunderstorm cell was reported to be moving towards Delhi and adjoining areas from the west/northwest, triggering the alert.
Residents were urged by the IMD to stay indoors, avoid open areas, and refrain from taking shelter under trees or near unstable structures and water bodies. The department also warned of potential risks like falling branches, crop damage, and dust storms in certain parts of the city.
This storm comes just days after a similar dust storm and rain event hit Delhi on Wednesday. That system moved from North Delhi toward the southeast, bringing winds gusting up to 70 km/h and causing localized power outages, hail, and light rain.
Authorities are continuing cleanup and response efforts and have asked citizens to remain cautious as further weather disturbances are not ruled out.
