A powerful dust storm swept through Delhi-NCR on the evening of April 11, 2025, leaving residents startled and scrambling for cover. The sudden storm, accompanied by strong winds and poor visibility, disrupted daily life and prompted many to describe the experience as feeling like a “20-minute earthquake.”
The storm hit without significant warning around 5:45 PM, plunging parts of the National Capital Region into darkness as thick dust clouds engulfed the skyline. The strong winds uprooted trees, knocked over hoardings, and led to traffic snarls across key roads in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad.
Panic on the Streets, Damage Reported
“I was at a metro station when the wind suddenly picked up. It felt like everything was shaking—the poles, the benches, even the ground. For a moment, I thought it was an earthquake,” said Ramesh Tiwari, a commuter from Dwarka.
Residents took to social media to share videos of flying debris, bending trees, and sudden power cuts across multiple neighborhoods. In many areas, visibility dropped drastically, and motorists had to pull over due to unsafe driving conditions.
Emergency services responded to dozens of calls related to fallen trees, damaged vehicles, and power line disruptions. So far, no casualties have been reported, but several minor injuries were noted due to falling objects and sudden braking on roads.
IMD Issues Update, Clarifies Earthquake Rumors
As speculation grew online, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) quickly stepped in to clarify that the event was not an earthquake, but rather a high-intensity pre-monsoon dust storm brought on by sudden temperature fluctuations and atmospheric instability.
“Strong surface winds reached speeds of 50–60 km/h in some parts of Delhi-NCR. This is a common pre-monsoon phenomenon and not linked to any seismic activity,” said an IMD official in a statement.
The IMD had earlier predicted scattered thunderstorms and dust activity for northern India over the weekend, but the intensity of the storm caught many off guard.
Flight Delays and Commuter Chaos
The dust storm also impacted air travel, with several flights delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport due to low visibility and high wind speeds. Commuters on Delhi Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines experienced delays as services were temporarily slowed down for safety.
“The visibility dropped so fast that we had to reduce train speed to avoid accidents, especially on elevated tracks,” said a Delhi Metro official.
Power outages were reported in areas such as Lajpat Nagar, Janakpuri, and parts of Noida, with local electricity boards working through the night to restore supply.
Climate Experts Warn of Increased Weather Extremes
Meteorologists say such abrupt weather events are likely to become more frequent due to rising pollution levels and changing climate patterns in the region.
“Urban heat, construction dust, and deforestation are all contributing factors to the severity of these storms,” said climate scientist Dr. Kavita Arora. “This should serve as a wake-up call for city planners and residents alike.”
Looking Ahead
The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors during dust storms and thunderstorms, secure loose items on balconies, and avoid travel during peak wind activity.
As Delhi-NCR reels from the unexpected chaos, experts stress the importance of better forecasting systems and public awareness to minimize the risks posed by such volatile weather.
