New Delhi: A fierce thunderstorm, characterized by strong winds, heavy rain and hailstorm at some places, caused substantial damage in Delhi-NCR on Monday evening.
The finial atop the middle dome of Jama Masjid was damaged in the squall, causing injuries to three persons.
According to the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari, two pieces of the finial had fallen, while another piece was still on the roof.
“The piece that is still on the roof is tilted and stuck. If it falls, it could drag down parts of the wall in front of it. In some parts, stones also fell. Three people were injured,” he said.
The height of the finial will be around 10 to 12 ft and is as old as the masjid, the Shahi Imam informed.
“Only ASI will be able to repair this since the expertise is with them. We are writing to the DG of the ASI requesting them to send a team to fix it,” he said.
Wind speeds of up to 100 kmph were recorded at Safdarjung weather observatory, while Palam recorded speed of around 70 kmph.
A 50-year-old man from Jama Masjid area died after a balcony fell over him during the squall.
With dozens of trees being uprooted and a lot of cars damaged, some roads had to be temporarily closed, leading to huge traffic congestion in the Capital.
There were power outages in different parts of Delhi-NCR as well as waterlogging in several areas of the capital. Some flights had to be diverted due to weather conditions.
