New Delhi/Chandigarh, May 2 —A spell of intense rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds swept through large parts of northern India late Thursday and early Friday, causing widespread disruption and bringing down temperatures across Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh.
In the national capital, Delhi, heavy rainfall Friday morning led to severe waterlogging and tree falls in several areas, affecting daily life and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert. The adverse weather conditions also disrupted air travel. According to officials at Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), multiple flight operations were impacted due to reduced visibility and turbulent winds.
“Flight schedules were affected this morning owing to inclement weather, including thunderstorms and strong gusts,” a DIAL spokesperson said.
Tragedy struck in southwest Delhi’s Najafgarh area where four people, including three children and a woman, died after a house collapsed under the impact of the early morning downpour. Emergency services responded to a distress call from Kharkari Nahar village at 5:25 a.m.
“We deployed multiple rescue teams immediately. Four people were pulled out from the debris and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were declared dead,” a Delhi Fire Services official confirmed.
The overnight storm uprooted trees and damaged structures across many parts of Delhi, adding to the chaos on already flooded streets. Officials in Punjab and Haryana reported similar conditions, with local administrations working to clear debris and restore traffic.
While the rain brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, it also raised concerns over infrastructure readiness for the upcoming monsoon season.
“We urge residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and follow safety advisories,” an IMD official stated, adding that further rainfall is expected over the weekend.
