KKN Gurugram Desk | The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Red Alert for Delhi-NCR following severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and powerful winds that began early Friday morning, May 2. The inclement weather has led to power outages, flight delays, traffic disruptions, and four fatalities due to a tree fall incident in Dwarka. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and remain vigilant as weather conditions remain unstable.

Red Alert for Delhi: IMD Urges Strict Precautions

The IMD issued a Red Alert for Delhi, indicating extremely severe weather that may cause significant damage and pose a risk to life. The alert suggests:

• Staying indoors during the storm

• Avoiding shelter under trees or near electric poles

• Securing loose items on rooftops and balconies

• Being cautious of waterlogging, traffic congestion, and possible power failures

What Is a Red Alert?

A Red Alert by IMD signifies a “Take Action” level advisory. It is the highest level of warning, urging government agencies and citizens to prepare for extreme weather events, including:

• Widespread damage

• Disruption in transport and power supply

• Risk to public life

• Flooding in low-lying areas

Power Outages Reported Across Delhi

Atishi, Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, highlighted that multiple neighborhoods in the city have been experiencing power outages lasting over 12 hours. She criticized the current BJP-led administration in Delhi, stating:

“Waterlogging across the city and 10-12 hour-long power cuts reflect the collapse of basic infrastructure. BJP’s four-engine government has paralyzed Delhi within two months.”

Tragedy in Dwarka: Four Family Members Killed

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed the death of four members of a family in Kharkhari Nahar village, Najafgarh, after a tree fell on them during the storm. Another person was critically injured. In her official statement, Gupta expressed grief:

“This is a deeply saddening incident. The government stands with the grieving family. I have directed district administration to provide all possible assistance immediately.”

She also added that disaster response teams are on high alert and tree-clearing operations are underway.

Political Reactions: Governance Under Fire

Several political leaders have weighed in on the situation, turning the weather crisis into a flashpoint for governance debates.

Gopal Rai, senior AAP leader, took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:

“The BJP’s so-called four-engine governance is sinking in water. Just a few hours of rain and Delhi is under water. The pictures of waterlogging reflect the complete administrative failure.”

CM Rekha Gupta Responds to Criticism

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, responding to critics, said:

“This rainfall is an alarm for the system. Past governments slept for decades. The current government is people-driven and will respond swiftly. I don’t remember any CM or MLA coming out during such conditions before. We are not going to sit idle even for a minute.”

Her remarks indicate a proactive approach and a promise to overhaul Delhi’s outdated urban infrastructure.

Flight Disruptions at IGI Airport

Due to poor visibility, lightning, and high wind speeds, over 100 flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) faced delays, while three were diverted:

• Two flights rerouted to Jaipur

• One flight diverted to Ahmedabad

Airport officials confirmed that additional ground staff were deployed and passengers were provided assistance. Travelers are advised to check flight status with their respective airlines.

Public Life Disrupted: Key Impacts of the Storm

1. Transportation Chaos

• Roads in South Delhi, West Delhi, and parts of Central Delhi were submerged

• Trees uprooted in multiple localities

• Metro services continued but with caution alerts

• Traffic snarls reported on Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, and key intersections

2. Urban Infrastructure Under Stress

• Power lines damaged in Dwarka, Janakpuri, and Rohini

• Drainage systems in several colonies collapsed

• Residents complained of sewage water mixing with rainwater

Emergency Helplines and Response

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has activated 24×7 emergency helplines. Residents facing waterlogging, tree falls, or power line issues can call:

• Municipal Emergency: 155304

• Delhi Police: 100

• Fire Services: 101

• Power Outage Complaint: 19123 (BSES) / 19124 (Tata Power)

Tree-clearing teams, civil defense volunteers, and Delhi Jal Board officials have been mobilized.

Environmental Experts: Is This the New Normal?

Weather experts say such intense storms, even outside the typical monsoon season, may become more frequent due to climate change. A sudden spike in temperature followed by moisture-laden winds created the perfect conditions for Friday’s violent storm.

Dr. Aarti Mishra, an environmental scientist, noted:

“Rapid urbanization without ecological planning makes cities like Delhi vulnerable. Drainage choking, tree instability, and concrete heat islands are major contributors to such disasters.”

Preventive Measures for Citizens

In light of the ongoing threat, here are IMD’s recommendations:

• Stay indoors during lightning

• Avoid using wired electronic devices

• Don’t take shelter under trees or temporary structures

• Ensure emergency kits and phone batteries are charged

• Monitor official weather alerts via IMD Delhi Twitter handle and weather.gov.in

Looking Ahead: When Will the Storm Settle?

IMD forecasts that moderate to heavy rainfall may continue in parts of Delhi-NCR until late evening. A gradual clearance is expected from May 3, but residents should remain cautious due to loose tree branches, unstable structures, and potential electrical hazards.

The Delhi thunderstorm of May 2, 2025, is not just a weather event—it has become a litmus test for infrastructure resilience, administrative preparedness, and political responsibility. From tragic fatalities to widespread outages, the storm has laid bare the vulnerabilities of the capital.

KKNLive urges citizens to remain alert, follow safety advisories, and demand accountability and long-term urban reforms to prevent such crises in the future.