A significant incident unfolded at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 when a portion of the roof collapsed, causing injuries and substantial damage to vehicles. Amid heavy rains, six individuals sustained injuries, and all departures from the terminal were temporarily suspended.
Heavy Rain Leads to Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport Terminal 1
Early this morning, Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1 experienced a partial roof collapse due to intense rainfall. The incident occurred around 5:30 am, damaging several vehicles, including cabs, in the pick-up and drop-off area. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) were promptly notified, and emergency personnel rushed to the scene to assist the injured and manage the situation.
Injuries and Damage Reported
Of the six individuals injured, one man was rescued from a vehicle after an iron beam fell onto it. The injured have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The roof sheet and support beams gave way, impacting cars parked at the busy Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the world’s most frequented airports.
Official Response and Temporary Suspension of Operations
In an official statement, Delhi Airport confirmed the canopy collapse at Terminal 1’s old Departure forecourt, attributing it to the heavy rain since early morning. The statement assured that emergency personnel are providing necessary medical aid and assistance to those affected. As a precaution, all departures from Terminal 1 have been suspended, and check-in counters closed. The airport authorities expressed regret for the disruption and apologized for the inconvenience caused.
Union Minister’s Assurance
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, stated that he is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that the injured have been hospitalized and first responders are active on-site. The Minister also advised airlines to assist affected passengers at Terminal 1.
Delhi Faces Heavy Rain and Waterlogging
The heavy rainfall in Delhi, which continued for the second consecutive day, brought respite from the heat but caused significant waterlogging in various parts of the city. Visuals shared by news agencies showed inundated roads and long traffic jams.
Weather Forecast: More Rain Expected
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for Delhi, predicting moderate to heavy rainfall over the next seven days. The weather forecast indicates generally cloudy skies with gusty winds. On June 29, temperatures are expected to reach a high of 36°C and a low of 28°C, with light to moderate rain or thunderstorms. June 30 will see a further drop in temperature to 34°C, accompanied by moderate to heavy rain and gusty winds.
For July 1 and 2, thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected, maintaining temperatures around 34°C and 27°C. Wind speeds are likely to vary between 25-35 km/h.
Monsoon Arrival Imminent
The IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to advance further into Delhi and neighboring regions over the next 2-3 days. This progression will bring more parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu under the monsoon’s influence.
Air Quality Improvement Post-Rain
The pre-monsoon showers have significantly improved Delhi’s air quality. The city recorded its first “satisfactory” air quality reading in 282 days, according to the Central Pollution Control Board. This improvement follows the clearing of sooty pollutants from the air due to the consistent rainfall.
Conclusion
The heavy rains in Delhi have brought both relief and challenges. While the temperature has dropped and air quality improved, the roof collapse at Delhi Airport Terminal 1 highlights the need for robust infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions. The ongoing efforts by emergency services and authorities aim to restore normalcy and ensure the safety of all affected individuals.
