India: Unseasonal Rainfall and Hailstorms Disrupt Life Across Cities
Heavy rains and severe hailstorms have caused widespread disruption in major Indian cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, with reports of casualties and infrastructure damage. The weather events have triggered traffic chaos, power outages, and emergency responses across the country.
Delhi: Hailstorms and Flooding
Delhi, the capital of India, experienced a particularly severe hailstorm on Wednesday, which uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and caused significant traffic congestion due to waterlogged streets. Local media reported that four people died and over a dozen were injured in the city and nearby areas.
The storm also affected air travel, with nearly 50 flights at Delhi Airport being delayed or diverted. A flight operated by Indigo, a major Indian carrier, encountered turbulence and was forced to land in Srinagar, India’s Jammu and Kashmir region. Although the flight arrived safely, some images circulating online suggested potential damage to the aircraft.
The Delhi Metro issued advisories, warning commuters of possible delays due to debris and fallen trees on the tracks.
Mumbai: Flooding and Waste Management Issues
In Mumbai, pre-monsoon rains led to severe flooding in parts of the city, particularly in the affluent Andheri area. Viral videos showed plastic bags and other waste floating on the streets after the rains overwhelmed the city’s drainage system. Many social media users criticized the authorities for inadequate waste management and the city’s failing infrastructure.
The situation in Mumbai is not unique, as similar weather events have impacted other parts of India, including Bengaluru, where incessant rains caused four deaths and left many residents stranded in waterlogged streets.
Forecast and Climate Impact
India’s weather agency has issued warnings that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across the western coast of the country over the next 6-7 days, with thunderstorms likely in nearly a dozen states. The southern part of the country is particularly at risk.
Experts have noted that climate change is contributing to erratic weather patterns, including unseasonal rains, flash floods, and droughts, which are becoming more frequent and severe. These changes are disrupting the lives of millions, particularly in regions dependent on seasonal monsoons for agriculture and water supply.
India receives 80% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September. However, the recent weather events highlight the growing vulnerability of the country to extreme weather conditions, which are increasingly challenging traditional weather patterns and infrastructure resilience.
Conclusion
The recent unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have underscored the need for improved urban infrastructure, better disaster preparedness, and climate resilience strategies in India. As the country continues to face the impacts of climate change, the ability to adapt to and respond to extreme weather events will be critical for ensuring public safety and maintaining normalcy in urban centers.