Dust storm hit Delhi-NCR; plunges city into darkness and throwing traffic out of gear | In Pics

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A dust storm hit Delhi on Friday evening, plunging the city into darkness and throwing traffic out of gear in parts of the national capital. In Lutyens' Delhi, the sprawling Raisina Hill complex, seat of the government and the bungalow zone, were shrouded by dust kicked up by gusty winds which was followed by light drizzle. The storm dipped the visibility, leading to vehicles plying on the streets coming to a standstill momentarily, while pedestrians rushed to seek shelter. A Meteorological (MeT) official said the department was tabulating the complete report on the incident. The MeT office has forecast overcast skies with the possibility of light rains, thunderstorm and dust storm on Saturday, reported

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Office-goers and others were seen curiously peeping out of windows of the buildings as it became dark outside rather early after a blistering afternoon.

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A squall with a wind speed of 81 km per hour hit the city plunging it into darkness followed by light rains.

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The squall and dust storm in the national capital this evening forced diversion of 29 flights, IGI airport operator DIAL said in a late night statement. Twelve of the 29 flights were diverted to Amritsar and eight to Lucknow, the statement said. The airlines took to their respective Twitter handles to announce the diversions.

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The change in conditions came as temporary relief to Delhiites battling blistering heat - albeit a day later than what the Regional Meteorological Centre had predicted.