New Delhi: Two individuals succumbed, and six others sustained injuries following the uprooting of trees during a powerful dust storm accompanied by thunderstorms and rainfall that struck Delhi-NCR on Friday night. The Delhi Police reported that approximately 17 individuals suffered injuries as the storm caused structural damage in various areas of the national capital.

Sources indicated that nine flights, including two operated by Air India, were redirected to Jaipur owing to an abrupt shift in the city’s weather conditions.

The Delhi Police received 152 calls regarding tree uprooting, 55 calls concerning building damage, and 202 calls regarding power disruptions.

The atmosphere in the national capital was characterized by trees swaying vigorously as squally winds with speeds ranging from 60 to 70 kmph swept through. Numerous instances of trees collapsing in various locations led to traffic congestion.

In Dwarka, Delhi, a sizable signboard toppled onto two vehicles, including an ambulance, resulting in injuries to three individuals. The wounded, comprising two occupants of the ambulance and an auto driver, were transported to the hospital by personnel from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS).

Police and other rescue teams were swiftly dispatched to the scene, where a crane was employed to clear the debris.

The abrupt dust storm was attributed to the western disturbance by the weather department. Delhi had been grappling with escalating temperatures and humidity, and the dust storm brought much-needed relief.

The Meteorological Department had forecasted the likelihood of dust storms and thunderstorms on Friday, with isolated areas experiencing light rain accompanied by hailstorms.

On Saturday, the minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to settle at 39 and 29 degrees Celsius respectively. The weather department has predicted a high probability of rain on both Saturday and Sunday.