By: Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: The city of Delhi and its surrounding areas were severely impacted by heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds, leading to significant disruptions in daily life. The intense weather resulted in waterlogged streets, uprooted trees, and impacted flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), causing inconvenience to thousands of passengers.
Flight Disruptions and Waterlogging
The adverse weather conditions had a profound impact on flight operations, with IndiGo reporting delays at 3:59 am due to the severe weather conditions. Although operations returned to normal after a couple of hours, flights departing from Delhi airport were still experiencing an average delay of 46 minutes as of 7:30 am, according to FlightRadar24. Severe waterlogging was observed in areas such as Moti Bagh, Minto Road, and near Delhi Airport Terminal 1, further exacerbating the situation.
Weather Alert and Safety Precautions
In light of the severe weather conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi and nearby areas, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-60 kmph. The IMD advised people to exercise caution and avoid open spaces, stay away from weak walls and unstable structures, and refrain from going near water bodies to ensure their safety.
Monsoon Onset
The severe weather in Delhi comes a day after the monsoon reached the Indian mainland in Kerala, a week ahead of the usual date and the earliest since 2009. The southwest monsoon typically makes its onset over Kerala by June 1 and covers the entire country by July 8, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. The early onset of the monsoon is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s agriculture and economy.
Impact and Aftermath
The severe weather conditions in Delhi and the early onset of the monsoon in Kerala are expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economy and daily life. While the monsoon brings much-needed relief from the heat, it also poses challenges in terms of infrastructure and disaster management. The authorities are expected to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions and ensure public safety.
