Delhi rains: 2 killed, at least 11 injured; airport sees 13 flight diversions

A powerful thunderstorm swept through Delhi on May 22, 2025, claiming two lives and injuring at least 11 people, while causing significant disruptions across the city. The heavy rainfall and strong winds led to widespread power outages and affected flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The storm, characterized by wind speeds of 60–70 km/h, triggered multiple incidents, including a fatal accident in Moti Nagar where a 60-year-old man and his 22-year-old grandson perished after a wall collapsed due to a falling tree. The Delhi Police confirmed nine additional injuries from fallen trees and other storm-related incidents across areas like Vikaspuri, Mohan Garden, and Rohini. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) responded to numerous complaints about waterlogging and fallen trees, while the Delhi Fire Services handled 98 emergency calls related to the storm within hours.

At the airport, the severe weather forced the diversion of 13 flights, with nine redirected to Jaipur, two to Amritsar, one to Lucknow, and one to Chandigarh. The thunderstorm brought traffic to a standstill, exacerbating travel woes across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the storm to a combination of moisture and wind patterns, including two upper air cyclonic circulations over Rajasthan and strong southeast winds over Delhi, intensifying the chaotic weather conditions.