Thick Dust Covers the Capital
A massive dust storm hit Delhi-NCR on Wednesday evening. A sudden shift in weather left the sky dark and visibility near zero. Key areas like Connaught Place, India Gate, and IGI Airport disappeared under a thick blanket of dust.
The storm caused chaos on the roads and delayed several flights. People struggled to walk or drive through the haze. Metro stations saw heavy rush as commuters avoided road travel.
Air Quality Dips Sharply
Air quality worsened dramatically. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi’s AQI stood at 236 at 8 AM — marked under the ‘poor’ category.
For reference, AQI levels are classified as:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Satisfactory
- 101–200: Moderate
- 201–300: Poor
- 301–400: Very Poor
- 401–500: Severe
Residents in Noida, Ghaziabad, and Greater Noida also reported poor air quality. Commutes were disrupted. Many stayed indoors as dust lingered late into the night.
Traffic, Flights, and Power Lines Hit
Flight operations at IGI Airport were affected. Several services faced delays due to low visibility. On roads, headlights came on as early as 6 PM. Motorists moved slowly through the dusty air.
In some parts, trees swayed and power lines shook under the force of gusts. People took shelter in nearby buildings.
More Storms Ahead, Says IMD
The Indian Meteorological Department blamed the dust storm on a sudden temperature and pressure shift. A Western Disturbance over north India triggered the unstable conditions.
IMD has issued a yellow alert for May 16. More dust, strong winds, and light rain are likely. People are advised to stay indoors during storm hours and monitor updates.
