Severe dust storm strikes Delhi-NCR, killing three and injuring over 20, India

A sudden and severe dust storm swept through Delhi-NCR on the evening (LT) of Friday, May 10, 2024, causing extensive damage. The storm, with wind speeds of up to 90 km/h (56 mph), resulted in three fatalities and 23 injuries, alongside causing widespread disruptions across the capital.

A sudden dust storm, caused by a combination of a western disturbance, a cyclonic circulation over Rajasthan, easterly winds, and high temperatures, struck Delhi-NCR late on Friday, May 10, 2024, with winds up to 90 km/h (56 mph) registered at the Palam Observatory at 21:30 LT. This caused temperatures to drop sharply from 34 °C (93.2 °F) to 28 °C (82.4 °F).

Emergency services received a total of 152 calls related to the storm. This included 130 calls to the Delhi Fire Services for uprooted trees, fallen electricity poles, and downed hoardings. Another 55 calls were related to partial collapses of buildings and structures, and 202 calls concerned power disruptions.

The storm resulted in three fatalities and 23 injuries. Among the deceased was a 19-year-old woman who was fatally injured by a collapsing wall in Shaheen Bagh. The second fatality occurred in west Delhi’s Vikaspuri, where a man succumbed to injuries after a tree branch fell on him. The third death involved a 46-year-old laborer who was crushed by a falling tree in the area near KN Katju Marg.

The dust storm also impacted air travel, with nine flights diverted due to adverse weather conditions.

Officials took to social media to issue safety advisories, urging residents to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. The storm, while deadly, brought a temporary respite from the prior extreme heat and humidity conditions that had plagued the region.

In response to the incidents, legal actions were initiated against individuals deemed negligent, including the owner of a building linked to one of the fatalities, under sections 304A and 288 of the Indian Penal Code.

The impact of the storm was also felt in parts of West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

In the coming days, rainfall is anticipated to continue across Northeast, Central, and South India, enhancing soil moisture for the upcoming crops.

This pre-monsoon activity is expected to alleviate the heatwave and improve conditions, though potential risks to life and property remain.

References:

¹ Three Dead, 23 Injured in Storm-Related Incidents in Delhi – PTI – May 12, 2024

² Dust storm swept Delhi, killing 2: How it forms and its impact on daily life – Times of India – May 11, 2024

³ Violent dust storms and thunderstorms batter North India – SkyMet – May 11, 2024

Featured image credit: The Tribune (stillshot)