New Delhi airport roof collapses due to heavy rainfall
June 28,New Delhi (Reuters) – Friday’s severe winds and rain forced the main airport in New Delhi to collapse, killing one person and closing a popular domestic terminal. The Indian city was also severely disrupted by flooded streets and gridlock.
The national weather service reports that the airport region received approximately 148.5 millimeters (5.85 inches) of rain over three hours in the early morning, which is more than the usual for the entire month of June.
The largest 24-hour rainfall in June in 88 years was recorded by Delhi’s main Safdarjung meteorological station, which received 228.1 mm (9 inches) of rain in the 24 hours that ended at 8:30 a.m. (0300 GMT).
Earlier this month, the 20 million-person city had to deal with intense heat waves. Experts attribute the intense heatwave and subsequent downpour on climate change.
The deluge destroyed a wall at a southwest Delhi building site, burying three workmen in 12 feet water department said.
Airport officials said components of the roof, canopy, column at Terminal 1’s departure area fell, crushing four cars.
They also said that flight operations at the terminal were suspended indefinitely and the whole terminal complex was closed.
Atul Garg, director of the Delhi Fire Service, said eight injured people were hospitalized after the rescue efforts.
Read more: reuters
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