Chief Minister Conducts Site Visits, Directs Immediate Relief and Restoration Efforts Amid Severe Weather Crisis
2 May 2025, New Delhi
An unseasonal deluge accompanied by fierce thunderstorms struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) early Friday morning, offering a brief respite from the oppressive heat but leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The sudden weather upheaval resulted in the tragic deaths of a woman and her three children, massive flight delays, and widespread urban paralysis.
Tragedy in Najafgarh: Family of Four Perishes
In a heart-wrenching incident, a 26-year-old woman and her three minor children lost their lives when a tree, uprooted by strong winds, collapsed onto their home in Kharkari Nahar village, Najafgarh. The impact caused the roof to cave in, trapping the family beneath the debris. The woman’s husband sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Aviation Turmoil: Over 200 Flights Affected
The severe weather conditions wreaked havoc at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with over 200 flights either delayed or canceled. Passengers faced significant disruptions as airlines grappled with the sudden storm. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) issued advisories urging travelers to stay updated with their respective airlines. By late morning, airport operations had largely returned to normal, though residual delays persisted.
Praying for Delhi and all those affected by the heavy rain and dust storm.
— Abhishek Agarwal 🇮🇳 (@AbhishekOfficl) May 2, 2025
It’s heartening to see CM @gupta_rekha Ji on the ground herself — exactly the kind of leadership the capital of India has long needed.
Now, the focus must be on preparing the roads and sewage systems to… pic.twitter.com/CDn8G1ojts
City Underwater
Delhi’s infrastructure buckled under the onslaught of rain, with major thoroughfares like Minto Road and areas in Gurgaon submerged. Commuters faced gridlocks, and public transportation services were severely hampered. Numerous trees were uprooted, and power outages were reported across the city.
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Government Response:
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted on-ground inspections of the worst-hit areas, acknowledging the city’s unpreparedness for such sudden weather events. She emphasized the need for urgent infrastructural improvements to mitigate future disasters.
Meteorological Advisory:
The Delhi-NCR area was placed under a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which warned of more thunderstorms and advised citizens to stay inside. The sudden storm is attributed to a western disturbance interacting with local weather patterns, leading to the unexpected downpour.
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