Devastating Delhi Rains: IMD Issues Red Alert as Waterlogging Paralyses City and Disrupts Flight Operations!
Severe waterlogging has hit several areas of Delhi, including Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and the vicinity of Delhi Airport Terminal 1, following heavy rains and thunderstorms early Sunday, May 25, 2025. Visuals from Minto Road depict vehicles struggling through deep water, underscoring the impact of the relentless downpour.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a red alert for the national capital and surrounding regions a day prior, warning residents of impending thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and high winds expected to last two to three hours. The advisory stemmed from a thunderstorm cell approaching from the west and northwest, with expected wind speeds reaching between 40 to 60 km/h. In light of these conditions, the IMD urged vulnerable residents to stay away from open spaces, trees, and unstable structures while specifically advising caution near water bodies.
Possible consequences of the storm include uprooted trees and broken branches, with crops like bananas and papayas anticipated to sustain moderate damage. In addition, the IMD cautioned that dust storms could also affect parts of the city.
In northern Delhi, a dust storm had already set the stage for inclement weather just days prior, with damaging winds blowing at speeds between 50 to 70 km/h, coinciding with light rainfall. This earlier weather disturbance had already resulted in power outages in various neighborhoods.
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the country’s busiest, faced disruptions due to the adverse weather. IndiGo Airlines reported temporary halts in flight movements early Sunday morning, citing adverse conditions. In a tweet at 3:59 a.m., the airline noted that while the weather was beginning to improve, some congestion remained. By 5:54 a.m., IndiGo confirmed that operations were returning to normal as clearer skies emerged.
However, flight tracking website Flightradar24.com indicated numerous delays and some cancellations, with average departure delays exceeding 30 minutes, putting added strain on both travelers and airport operations.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents are advised to stay alert and take all necessary precautions. The constant weather fluctuations this month have posed challenges for Delhi, affecting daily routines and infrastructure. As conditions evolve, residents are encouraged to remain informed through reliable sources.
The ongoing inclement weather underscores the necessity for residents to stay prepared and cautious as heavy rains, thunderstorms, and potential dust storms remain a possibility in the coming days.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-rains-imd-issues-red-alert-parts-of-city-face-severe-waterlogging-after-heavy-rains-thunderstorm/article69616630.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-05-25 06:53:00
