Delhi experiences disorder due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, leading to extensive waterlogging and flight disruptions.

On the morning of May 2, 2025, a relentless thunderstorm descended upon Delhi, wreaking havoc and causing widespread disruption.

Devastating Consequences

The city saw its fair share of damage, with four lives claimed and one person injured when a tree collapsed on a tubewell room in Kharkhari village in Dwarka [1]. The storm's wrath didn't stop there, as it also brought about waterlogging and traffic snarls across various locations, including Dwarka Underpass, RK Puram, Minto Road, and Lajpat Nagar [2][3].

Aviation Chaos

The storm's impacts were felt at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, where a metal structure's collapse led to flight delays and diversions. Authorities confirmed the airport's operational continuity despite weather-related disruptions, activating emergency protocols to ensure a smooth flow for passengers [1].

Temperature Drops and Heatwave Relief

Despite the storm's fury, there was silver lining to be found as it marked the end of Delhi's heatwave. Gusty winds of up to 70–80 kmph and heavy rain brought much-needed respite, with temperatures plummeting [2][3].

IMD Alerts and Warnings

To alert the public, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red and yellow alert notices for severe thunderstorms and subsequent days, cautioning citizens about potential risks such as flying debris, power-line damage, and waterlogging across Delhi and neighboring regions like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan [1][2][3].

Sources:

[1] Indian Express (2025). Four killed, one injured after tree falls on tubewell room in Delhi’s Dwarka. Indian Express.

[2] Hindustan Times (2025). Storm in Delhi: Waterlogging, flight disruptions, temperature drop as thunderstorm hits city. Hindustan Times.

[3] NDTV (2025). Delhi Weather Update: Moderate to heavy rainfall in Delhi intensifies, parts of city submerged. NDTV.

[4] The Times of India (2025). Caught in a Storm: How did Delhi manage amidst heavy rainfall? The Times of India.

[5] ANI (2025). Delhi Rain: NDRF teams on standby as rain intensifies over Delhi-NCR; visuals of waterlogging. Asian News International.

Despite the fatalities and injuries, the International Meteorological Department (IMD) anticipated that the severe thunderstorm in Delhi is likely to cause further incidents like car-accidents, fires, and weather-related accidents due to the heavy rain and strong winds.
As the rain intensifies over Delhi-NCR, with general news reporting waterlogging and traffic snarls across various densely populated areas such as Dwarka Underpass, RK Puram, Minto Road, and Lajpat Nagar, an inspection will be necessary to ensure the safety of the infrastructure, given the potential risks.
As a response to the thunderstorm, the IMD has issued red and yellow alert notices for neighboring regions like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, advising citizens to stay indoors and be cautious of potential hazards such as flying debris and power-line damage.
The aftermath of the thunderstorm has resulted in an increase in related stories in general news broadcasts, ranging from the evaluation of additional potential hazards to updates on the recovery efforts in Kharkhari village, where four lives were claimed.
The Indian Office of Meteorology and Water Resources (IMD) appeals to citizens to stay informed and heed weather warnings to minimize the risk of accidents and fatalities, given the unpredictability of weather patterns, especially during thunderstorms.
As Delhi's heatwave comes to an end, the attention of the public is now focused on the upcoming weather forecasting for the next few days, monitoring the likelihood of more thunderstorms across the region and their potential impact on the city's inhabitants and infrastructure.
The negative consequences of the thunderstorm in Delhi serve as a reminder of the importance of proper preparations, emergency response systems, and public awareness in dealing with extreme weather events, making the city's resilience to natural disasters more critical than ever.