Delhi's heavy rains disrupt life: casualties and extensive damage

On May 21, a sudden change in weather conditions led to tragic consequences in the Indian capital Delhi. A strong thunderstorm and hailstorm caused havoc in the city, killing five people and injuring at least 11 others. The Times of India reported the incident, citing police sources.

A sudden natural disaster

Among the dead in the disaster were a 22-year-old man, a disabled person and three other citizens. Strong winds and large hailstones caused damage throughout the city - uprooting hundreds of trees and knocking them to the ground, stopping traffic on the streets. Public transport and private cars were disrupted. Videos circulating on social media showed fallen trees, fallen poles and damaged vehicles.

^{Photo: Те Times of India}
Power outage, flight routes rerouted

Power outages have occurred in large parts of the city. The reason is that thunderstorms and hailstorms have caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Several facilities, including private homes, administrative buildings and garment factories, were left without power. Fallen tree branches and obstructing structures have knocked out power lines.

^{Photo: Те Times of India}
Airlines operating at Delhi International Airport were forced to divert at least 13 flights to other cities. Several flights were delayed, some were canceled altogether. One of the passengers on the plane spoke about the severe turbulence: “The liner was shaking badly. The front part of the fuselage was damaged, but thanks to the professional skills of the pilot, the landing was completed safely.”

Strong winds and record-breaking hail

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, winds during the storm reached a speed of 79 km per hour. The hailstones, the size of ripe cherries, were recorded as a weather phenomenon that is not typical for India's May. Normally, temperatures in Delhi reach 40°C or higher in May. This time, the cool and dangerous weather caught the local population and the government off guard.

National warning

Currently, efforts are underway to eliminate the consequences of the natural disaster and provide assistance to the victims. Officials are urging the public to be careful and prepare for such natural disasters. Experts emphasize that hail and strong winds are not traditional for the Indian climate, but global climate change is causing such changes.

Zamin.uz editorial staff continues to monitor all the latest information on the consequences of the disaster in Delhi, the number of victims and measures to resolve them. How do you think we should prepare for such weather events?