Key Points
- A fierce pre-dawn storm with heavy rain and gusty winds battered Delhi-NCR on May 2, 2025.
- In Dwarka’s Kharkhari Nahar village, a tree toppled by the storm crashed onto a small house, killing a mother and her three children; the father sustained minor injuries.
- Multiple weather-related incidents, including roof collapses, uprooted trees, and widespread waterlogging, paralyzed parts of the capital.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert, warning of more thunderstorms, strong winds up to 80 kmph, and potential damage to vulnerable structures.
- Over 100 flights were delayed or diverted, and emergency services remain on high alert as more severe weather is forecast.
New Delhi: A devastating storm swept through Delhi and the National Capital Region in the early hours of May 2, 2025, unleashing torrential rain and violent winds that left a trail of destruction. The most tragic incident occurred in Dwarka’s Kharkhari Nahar village, where a massive tree, uprooted by the storm, crashed onto a tubewell room built on a farm. The structure collapsed instantly, killing 26-year-old Jyoti and her three children. Her husband, Ajay, was injured but survived with minor wounds.
Storm’s Impact: Death, Destruction, and Disruption
The storm struck just before dawn, with wind gusts recorded up to 78 kmph in parts of the city. The force of the storm not only toppled trees but also caused roofs and fragile structures to give way. In Chhawla, another house’s roof collapsed, trapping four people who were later rescued by emergency teams. Meanwhile, a lightning strike in the Sabzi Mandi area sparked a fire in a residential building, further stretching emergency services.
Across Delhi, heavy rainfall triggered severe waterlogging, especially in key areas like Dwarka Underpass, South Extension, Ring Road, and Lajpat Nagar. Uprooted trees and downed power lines led to traffic snarls and left many neighborhoods in disarray.
Flights Delayed, Red Alert Issued
The storm’s impact extended to aviation, with more than 100 flights delayed and over 40 diverted at Delhi Airport due to poor visibility and dangerous wind conditions. A metal structure at Terminal 3 even collapsed under the force of the storm, though no injuries were reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) responded by issuing a red alert for Delhi, warning of continued thunderstorms, squally winds up to 80 kmph, and the risk of further damage to weak structures, trees, and power lines. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, avoid sheltering under trees, unplug electronic devices, and steer clear of water bodies and electrical conductors.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Risks
Municipal authorities and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority have mobilized emergency teams citywide to assess damage, clear debris, and provide relief. The IMD has cautioned that more storms and heavy rainfall are likely over the coming days, with vulnerable homes and kutcha structures at particular risk.
While the storm brought much-needed respite from the heatwave, it also exposed the vulnerabilities of Delhi’s infrastructure. The tragic loss of a mother and her three children in Dwarka underscores the deadly risks posed by extreme weather. With more storms forecast, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, prioritize safety, and report any hazards immediately.
