Delhi’s heaviest May rainfall in 124 years claimed the lives of a mother and her three children, as devastating storms ravaged the nation’s capital Friday, exposing critical infrastructure failings and leaving thousands stranded.
At a Glance
- Storm brought winds up to 80 km/h and record rainfall, causing widespread destruction across Delhi-NCR
- Four deaths confirmed, including a mother and her three children, with multiple injuries reported
- Over 200 flights delayed and dozens diverted as transportation systems failed
- India Meteorological Department recorded second-highest 24-hour May rainfall since 1901
- Government issued red alert for continued severe weather, with storm exposing lack of monsoon preparedness
Historic Storm Devastates Capital Region
An early morning storm battered Delhi-NCR on Friday with unprecedented fury, bringing winds reaching 80 kilometers per hour and dumping 77 millimeters of rain in just six hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed this marked the second-highest 24-hour rainfall total for May since record-keeping began in 1901. The deluge overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the city, creating dangerous floods that paralyzed transportation networks and revealed serious infrastructure vulnerabilities across India’s capital region.
The extreme weather conditions resulted from a rare convergence of moisture and wind patterns from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Government officials have issued a “red” alert, their highest warning level, as forecasts predict potentially six more days of severe weather. The warning comes after Safdarjung, a central monitoring station, recorded rainfall totals that rank as the second highest in four years for the region, signaling an ominous start to what could become a dangerous monsoon season.
Tragic Loss of Life and Widespread Damage
The storm claimed multiple victims, with the most devastating incident occurring in Kharkhari Nahar village in Najafgarh, where a house collapse killed a woman and her three children. Emergency responders rushed to the scene but were unable to save the family. In a separate incident, a 25-year-old man died from electrocution in Green Park after coming into contact with a snapped overhead electrical wire. At least six additional people sustained injuries from various storm-related accidents, including another wall collapse in Paparawat village.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally visited affected areas to coordinate relief efforts and subsequently announced financial assistance for the bereaved family. “Delhi government has sanctioned Rs 25 Lakh as ex-gratia relief to Sh. Ajay, next of kin of four family members who lost their lives today in a tragic incident caused by heavy rain and storm in Village Kharkhari, Najafgarh,” stated Gupta. The tragedy has highlighted concerns about building safety standards and emergency preparedness in vulnerable communities throughout the region.
Transportation Chaos and System Failures
The storm created unprecedented disruption to Delhi’s transportation infrastructure. Over 200 flights experienced delays, with more than 40 diverted to other airports as visibility dropped and winds made landing dangerous. Airport officials attempted to maintain operations amid the chaos, though many travelers found themselves stranded for hours. “Following the advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department this morning, we would like to confirm that the airport is operating as normal, despite some impact on flight operations due to adverse weather conditions,” a Delhi airport statement explained.
Beyond air travel, waterlogging rendered major roadways impassable, causing extensive traffic jams throughout the city. Traditional flooding hotspots such as Minto Road and ITO quickly became submerged, while fallen trees and electrical poles created additional hazards. The sudden intensity of the rainfall overwhelmed Delhi’s inadequate drainage infrastructure, with many areas remaining flooded hours after the rain subsided. The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel while the weather system, which is now moving westward, continues to affect the region.
Broader Weather Warnings and Government Response
The storm system affecting Delhi-NCR forms part of a larger weather pattern impacting multiple regions across India. The IMD has issued additional severe weather warnings for Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha, advising residents to take immediate precautions. These include seeking shelter in sturdy structures and avoiding trees and electric poles during storms. In Odisha, the extreme weather has already caused significant damage, including fallen trees at the Chief Minister’s residence, though it has provided some relief from an ongoing heatwave.
The devastation has prompted widespread criticism of government preparedness. Critics point to the storm exposing critical gaps in monsoon readiness by both government agencies and civic bodies, despite recurring annual flooding issues. As residents clear debris and assess damage, officials have pledged improvements to drainage systems and emergency response procedures. With the monsoon season approaching and more storms predicted, Delhi’s infrastructure challenges have moved to the forefront of public concern, raising questions about long-term solutions to protect citizens from increasingly volatile weather patterns.
