New Delhi | INVC News Desk — A powerful dust storm swept across large parts of North India, triggering chaos in air travel, damaging property, and tragically claiming lives. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh storm alert for several states including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and eastern Rajasthan, forecasting strong winds and thundershowers in the next 24 hours.
Flight Operations in Turmoil: 450+ Flights Delayed or Canceled
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi witnessed massive disruptions on Friday evening as strong gusty winds enveloped the national capital. According to flight tracking portal Flightradar24.com, over 450 flights were delayed, with the average delay stretching beyond 40 minutes. Some flights were even canceled or diverted, forcing hundreds of passengers to endure long hours of uncertainty and frustration at terminals.
Aviation major Air India released a passenger advisory, urging travelers to confirm flight schedules before heading to the airport. IndiGo, too, cited “air traffic congestion” due to weather disturbances, as only three runways are operational at Delhi Airport — the fourth is under maintenance.
INVC Ground Report: Social Media Flooded with Storm Videos
Passengers stranded at the airport posted several videos on social media, showing the intensity of the storm. INVC’s earlier coverage highlighted the sudden change in weather patterns that have impacted not just air travel but day-to-day life across the capital.
IMD Warning: More Storms Incoming in 24 Hours
The IMD’s latest forecast warns of thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of the northeast. Dust storms are likely in Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, with light to moderate rainfall predicted at scattered locations. Sporadic rains and lightning activity are expected to persist for the next seven days in Eastern India and the Northeast.
Tragedy in Delhi: Wall Collapses Claim Lives
While the storm brought temporary respite from the capital’s scorching heat, it wreaked havoc across several parts of Delhi. The control room of Delhi Fire Services received a record 215 emergency calls — a grim first for 2025.
In Kakraula village, a 10-year-old girl named Anvi died after the wall of an under-construction house collapsed onto another structure. Her aunt Savitri was critically injured. Another tragic incident occurred in Mandavali, where three pedestrians were crushed under a falling wall — one lost his life, while two others sustained serious injuries.
Massive Property Damage Reported
Trees and electric poles were uprooted in several parts of Delhi — including Safdarjung, Rohini Sector-16, Prashant Vihar, and Jyoti Nagar. In one instance, a massive tree crashed onto an Innova car on Hanuman Mandir Road, highlighting the scale of destruction. Fire officials confirmed wall collapses at 13 locations, besides multiple short circuits and damage to infrastructure.
Authorities Advise Caution
Senior police officials have urged residents to stay indoors during adverse weather, and avoid standing near trees, electric poles, or under-construction buildings. With further storms expected, disaster management teams are on standby, and state governments have been put on high alert.
