Delhi-NCR was battered by a powerful storm on Wednesday, leaving behind a trail of destruction, grief, and disruption. With wind speeds surging, lightning strikes piercing the sky, and torrential rains pounding the region, daily life came to a halt. The sudden downpour and violent gusts of wind not only uprooted trees and damaged property but also tragically claimed six lives.
Nature’s Fury Unleashed
The storm, which struck in the early hours of the evening, brought life in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and surrounding regions to a standstill. What started as a light drizzle quickly intensified into a severe thunderstorm, catching many off-guard during peak hours. In several parts of the city, residents reported shattered window panes, falling hoardings, and streets flooded within minutes.
Power Blackouts Across the Region
The impact on power supply was immediate and widespread. Several localities across Delhi-NCR plunged into darkness as electricity lines snapped and transformers broke down. Residential colonies, commercial buildings, and traffic signals were left without power for hours, further adding to the chaos on the roads. Emergency services were stretched thin, responding to distress calls from across the region.
Traffic Woes Multiply
Massive traffic snarls followed, especially in key areas such as the Ring Road, ITO, Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, and NH-24. Uprooted trees and waterlogging obstructed movement, stranding commuters for hours. Office-goers and school buses were caught in a gridlock, while the absence of functional traffic lights exacerbated the situation.
In Gurugram and Noida, key intersections turned into bottlenecks. Public transport was thrown off schedule, and app-based cab services reported surge pricing as demand spiked and vehicle availability dipped.
Air Travel Disrupted: 13 Flights Diverted
The storm also wreaked havoc on air travel. The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi faced severe operational challenges as visibility dropped and winds became hazardous. At least 13 incoming flights were diverted to Jaipur, Lucknow, and Amritsar. Several passengers shared their experiences of being stuck on the tarmac or being rerouted in mid-air, causing delays of up to three hours.
Lives Lost and Families Shattered
Tragically, six lives were lost across the region. Reports indicate causes ranging from electrocution to falling debris. Among the deceased was a delivery executive in Gurugram who was struck by a falling tree and a child in Noida who died due to a wall collapse.
Local authorities have promised compensation and launched an investigation into the deaths, with a focus on ensuring accountability and improving urban preparedness.
The Aftermath: Cleanup and Reflection
As skies cleared, the magnitude of the damage became visible. Municipal workers began clearing debris, and power restoration teams were dispatched overnight. However, questions are being raised about Delhi-NCR’s infrastructure resilience, especially in the face of increasingly frequent and intense weather events linked to climate change.
Urban planners, civic authorities, and disaster management agencies have been urged to reassess emergency preparedness, drainage systems, and early warning mechanisms.
