New Delhi, May 2, 2025
A tragic incident occurred in the national capital on Thursday evening when a mother and her three children died after a wall collapsed during a powerful rainstorm. The unexpected storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to various parts of Delhi, causing major damage, traffic jams, power cuts, and panic across the city.
The rain started suddenly, and within minutes, the sky turned dark. Strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 70 kmph, hit different areas of Delhi. Trees were uprooted, vehicles were damaged, and many roads became waterlogged. The weather took people by surprise, especially those commuting or working outdoors at the time.
The most heartbreaking part of this storm was the death of a woman and her three young children in West Delhi’s Vikaspuri area. The family had taken shelter near an old, weak wall that could not withstand the force of the wind and rain. The wall collapsed on them, and they were trapped underneath. Local residents rushed to help and called emergency services. Sadly, when the victims were taken to the hospital, all four were declared dead.
The deceased were identified as 35-year-old Rekha Devi and her children – Rohit (11), Pooja (8), and Aman (5). The family belonged to a nearby slum and had been struggling with poverty. They did not have a safe home and were looking for cover when the accident happened. Their deaths have caused anger in the community, with many blaming poor infrastructure and government negligence for the loss of innocent lives.
Local people and activists gathered in protest, demanding action against those responsible for maintaining such unsafe structures. Many said that this was not the first time a wall or building had collapsed during rain in Delhi. They demanded better shelter options for the poor and a city-wide check of dangerous walls and buildings. “This tragedy could have been avoided. Why are these walls still standing in such bad condition?” asked one resident.
Meanwhile, the storm caused destruction in several other parts of the city. According to official reports, Delhi received over 50 mm of rain in just a few hours. Areas like Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, South Extension, and Janakpuri reported severe waterlogging, broken trees, and damaged vehicles. Traffic signals stopped working in many places, leading to long traffic jams. Several commuters were stuck for hours with no help.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) confirmed that over 120 trees had fallen and dozens of electric poles had been damaged. The fire department received more than 75 emergency calls related to storm damage. Rescue and repair teams were sent out quickly, but many areas remained blocked for hours.
The storm also affected air and rail travel. At Indira Gandhi International Airport, multiple domestic and international flights were delayed or diverted due to poor visibility and lightning warnings. Passengers had to wait for long hours inside the airport. Train services were delayed at New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin due to water on the tracks and power issues. Many people shared their frustration on social media, saying there was little help or communication from airline and railway staff.
Schools were affected as well. Many private and public schools decided to shut early after weather alerts were issued. Students were sent home before the worst of the storm began. Some companies allowed employees to leave early or work from home. However, daily wage workers, roadside vendors, and hawkers suffered the most, as the rain damaged their goods and destroyed their stalls. With no income for the day, they faced a difficult situation.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths in Vikaspuri. He announced financial help of ₹10 lakh for the family and assured that an inquiry would be conducted. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives. The government will take strict action and ensure that such tragedies are not repeated,” he said. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has been asked to investigate the incident and prepare a full damage report.
Government officials also promised that unsafe structures in slum areas would be identified and repaired or removed immediately. A city-wide audit will be conducted to check for any other weak buildings or walls that may pose a danger in future storms.
Experts say that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Sudden and intense rainfall, combined with strong winds, is now a common problem in many Indian cities. Delhi, with its poor drainage system, old infrastructure, and unplanned construction, remains highly vulnerable. Environmentalists and urban planners have urged the government to improve drainage, upgrade infrastructure, and make cities more climate-resilient.
They also pointed out that regular maintenance and safety checks of public and private buildings are necessary. Many lives could be saved if local authorities took preventive action before the monsoon season begins. “Every year, we see walls falling, trees crashing, and power lines breaking. It’s time for long-term planning, not just emergency fixes,” said an urban planning expert from IIT Delhi.
After the storm, Delhi Police and other authorities shared safety guidelines on social media to help people stay safe during such events. They advised citizens to avoid going outside during storms, stay away from weak walls and trees, and not touch electric poles or wires. People were also advised to keep emergency phone numbers handy and listen to weather updates from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Social media platforms were filled with photos and videos from across the city. Some videos showed roads that looked like rivers, with cars almost floating in the water. A few clips went viral, showing signboards flying off rooftops and crashing into vehicles. Another video showed a Delhi Metro train suddenly stopping as strong winds shook the railway line.
Residents from areas like Janakpuri, Laxmi Nagar, and Rohini shared their experiences. Many said they had no electricity for hours and were scared as windows rattled and roofs leaked. People living in temporary shelters or slum areas suffered the most. Water entered their homes and there was no way to protect their belongings.
This storm and the tragic deaths of Rekha Devi and her children have once again shown how unprepared Delhi is for extreme weather. Every year, rain causes destruction and people lose their lives. Yet, very little changes. Experts warn that as climate change gets worse, such events will become more dangerous.
There is an urgent need for better urban planning, stronger building codes, improved emergency response systems, and more support for low-income families. Authorities must take real action, not just offer compensation after every tragedy. Delhi needs to be a city where people feel safe, even during storms.
The storm on May 1, 2025, will be remembered not just for the chaos it caused, but for the lives it claimed. The deaths of a mother and her three innocent children have left a deep mark on the city’s heart. Their story is a painful reminder of how the most vulnerable suffer the most during disasters. It is now the duty of both the government and the people to work together and prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.
