Arabian Sea Storm Wreaks Havoc Across India, Raises Alarms Over Government Preparedness

NEW DELHI:A powerful storm system emerging from the Arabian Sea has caused widespread devastation across India, affecting even the nation’s capital. Torrential rains, lightning, and gale-force winds disrupted daily life in Delhi-NCR, prompting renewed public concerns over the government’s disaster preparedness amid warnings of future storms.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure system formed in the east-central Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe depression. While the storm has yet to be officially named, it is expected to be designated as “Shakti” if it continues strengthening.

The storm has triggered **red alerts** for **Maharashtra and Goa**, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast. An **orange alert** has also been issued for **Mumbai**, and fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing out to sea. In **Gujarat**, severe rain and strong winds have already claimed **17 lives**, prompting state authorities to establish emergency control rooms.

### Delhi in Chaos After Pre-Dawn Storm

The early Sunday morning downpour brought Delhi to a standstill. Several areas—including Minto Road, Moti Bagh, and near Airport Terminal 1—were inundated, with dozens of vehicles, including a public bus, submerged. Over **100 flights** at Indira Gandhi International Airport were affected, with **around 49 flights diverted**. Thousands of passengers were stranded for hours.

Power lines collapsed, trees were uprooted, and homes and shops sustained heavy damage. Major roads turned into rivers, crippling transportation networks.

### Public Anger Over Official Inaction

Despite the scale of destruction, **no emergency plan** was enacted by either the Delhi government or the central authorities. There were **no visible relief teams**, **no helplines**, and **no statements** from senior officials. Citizens, left to their own devices, helped stranded motorists and shared emergency requests through social media.

The absence of proactive government response has angered the public. Many questioned whether a similar event in a Western country would have prompted a full-scale emergency operation with evacuations and visible leadership presence. In contrast, Delhi residents were left without official assistance.

### Storms Becoming More Frequent and Severe

Meteorologists have warned that the frequency and intensity of such storms forming over the Arabian Sea are increasing, posing a growing threat to India’s coastal and urban centers. Experts are urging immediate action, including public awareness campaigns, disaster readiness drills, and the strengthening of emergency response systems.

Without swift governmental action, they warn, even moderately severe storms could lead to major loss of life and property in the future.