Delhi CM Rekha Gupta: Delhi Thunderstorm Causes Chaos: 4 Dead, Over 200 Flights Delayed, City Grapples with Waterlogging

On May 2, 2025, a severe thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds struck Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), leading to widespread disruption across the city. The early morning storm resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals, significant flight delays, and extensive waterlogging in several areas. 

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta personally inspected the worst-hit areas, including Majnu Ka Tila, and assured swift action. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said:

“आज बारिश के कारण हुए जलभराव का मजनू का टीला सहित दिल्ली के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में स्थिति का निरीक्षण किया। इस समस्या के निवारण के लिए मैं संबंधित अधिकारियों के साथ स्वयं ग्राउंड पर मौजूद हूं। सभी अधिकारियों को स्पष्ट निर्देश दिए कि पूरी दिल्ली में जहां-जहां जलभराव हैं, स्थानों चिंहित कर, समाधान सुनिश्चित करें।”

— मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती @gupta_rekha

(Translation: "Inspected waterlogged areas, including Majnu Ka Tila. I am personally on-ground with concerned officials to address the issue. Clear instructions have been issued to identify and resolve waterlogging across Delhi.")

आज बारिश के कारण हुए जलभराव का मजनू का टीला सहित दिल्ली के विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में स्थिति का निरीक्षण किया। इस समस्या के निवारण के लिए मैं संबंधित अधिकारियों के साथ स्वयं ग्राउंड पर मौजूद हूं।

सभी अधिकारियों को स्पष्ट निर्देश दिए कि पूरी दिल्ली में जहां-जहां जलभराव हैं, स्थानों… pic.twitter.com/DYKBDFcTg1

— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) May 2, 2025

Fatalities and Structural Damage

In a heartbreaking incident, a 26-year-old woman named Jyoti and her three children—Aryan (7), Rishabh (5), and Priyansh (7 months)—lost their lives when a tree fell on their tubewell room in Kharkhari Canal village, Dwarka. Her husband, Ajay, sustained minor injuries. 

Flight Operations Disrupted

The storm severely impacted flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Over 200 flights were delayed, with average delays of 46 minutes for arrivals and 54 minutes for departures. Some flights were diverted to Ahmedabad and Jaipur due to the adverse weather conditions. 

Widespread Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions

Heavy rainfall led to waterlogging in multiple parts of the city, including Minto Bridge, RK Puram, Khanpur, Lajpat Nagar, and Moti Bagh. Visuals from these areas showed submerged vehicles and uprooted trees, causing significant traffic snarls and commuter distress. 

Government Response

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted on-ground inspections in waterlogged areas such as Majnu Ka Tila. She directed officials to identify and resolve waterlogging issues across the city. 

Meteorological Advisory

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of strong thunderstorms and winds reaching speeds of 70–80 km/h. The sudden weather change was attributed to a Western Disturbance, leading to moisture and wind convergence over the region. 

Conclusion

The severe thunderstorm on May 2 highlighted the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The tragic loss of lives, coupled with infrastructural disruptions, underscores the need for improved urban planning and emergency preparedness to mitigate the impact of such natural calamities in the future.