Delhi-NCR: A fierce and unexpected storm wreaked havoc across Delhi-NCR on Tuesday evening, leaving six people dead, dozens injured, and causing large-scale destruction to homes, vehicles, and city infrastructure. The violent sandstorm and rain uprooted hundreds of trees and electric poles, triggering panic across the region.
The worst-hit areas include parts of Delhi, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Noida, where the storm struck suddenly around 7.30 PM. In several localities, power supply was disrupted as precautionary measures due to fallen trees and poles damaging live wires.
Flight Turbulence Sparks Panic Among Passengers
Over 200 passengers aboard an IndiGo flight (6E 2142) from Delhi to Srinagar faced a terrifying ordeal mid-air as the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Viral footage shows passengers screaming and crying as the plane shook violently due to a sudden hailstorm. Despite the turbulence and visible damage to the aircraft’s nose cone, the IndiGo flight landed safely at Srinagar airport.
According to IndiGo’s official statement, “The cabin and flight crew followed all established safety protocols, and the aircraft landed safely. Post-arrival, all passengers were attended to, and the aircraft will undergo thorough inspection before its next flight.”
Fatalities and Injuries Across the Region
In Delhi-NCR, a man with disabilities lost his life after an electric pole collapsed on him near Lodhi Road flyover. He was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival. Another tragic death occurred in Gokulpuri, northeast Delhi, where 22-year-old Azhar died after a tree fell on him.
In Mukherjee Nagar, six people were injured when a part of an old overbridge’s grill fell. Multiple injuries were reported in Kashmiri Gate and Mangolpuri, where collapsing balconies added to the casualties.
Meanwhile, Ghaziabad reported two deaths: Muzammil, 40, died after a tree fell on his bike, and Panu Devi, 38, died when a wall collapsed on her and four others, leaving them injured.
In Greater Noida’s Omicron sector, a woman died after an iron grill crashed onto her during the storm. Her grandson sustained injuries. Additionally, Ramkrishna, a schoolteacher in the NTPC township, was fatally hit by a falling tree during his evening walk.
Widespread Damage and Power Cuts
Storm-related damage was reported across residential colonies, roads, and public infrastructure throughout Delhi-NCR. Homes suffered broken windows, fallen roofs, and extensive water damage. In Noida, billboards and hoardings were uprooted, adding to the chaos on the roads.
The storm also led to power outages in several Delhi-NCR regions. A BSES spokesperson said, “To ensure public safety and prevent electrocution, power supply was temporarily suspended in affected areas. Restoring power and ensuring safety remains our top priority.”
Emergency Response and Inspections
Authorities across Delhi-NCR are working on clearing roads, restoring electricity, and removing debris. Municipal teams have been deployed in affected areas to assess structural damage and inspect trees and electric poles.
The Indian Meteorological Department had not issued any storm alert for the evening, making the event all the more sudden and dangerous. Experts now urge for better early-warning systems and disaster preparedness in urban regions prone to such weather events.
Conclusion
The sudden Delhi-NCR storm has not only caused tragic loss of lives but also raised serious concerns about the region’s preparedness for extreme weather. From terrifying flight turbulence to fatal infrastructure collapses, the storm’s fury has left a deep impact on both the city’s residents and authorities. As cleanup and recovery begin, the focus now turns to ensuring better disaster management in the future.
