Dust Storm Warning in NCR: Here’s How You Can Stay Safe

Tips NDMA suggests we follow in case of a dust storm, thunder storm and lighting in your city.

Dust storm can leave the air very dirty and low visibility.

(Photo: Lijumol Joseph/FIT)

The Indian Meteorological Department as issued a dust storm and thunderstorm warning in NCR, with maximum temperatures hitting 43 degree Celsius. With heat wave sweeping across parts of India, this will bring in some respite from the rising temperatures. But the dust storm will also bring about low visibility and poor air quality.

“We could see a maximum temperature of around 43 degree at Safdarjung and even higher at other parts of Delhi. Both Tuesday and Wednesday will see a dust storm as well, with wind speed ranging from 30-40 km/hr. Temperatures may drop slightly from Thursday, 2 May, however, due to a thundery development,” said a senior Met official, as quoted by The Times of India.

Thunderstorm/Lightning, Dust/Hailstorm, Squall, and strong wind are hazardous and cause risk to life and public property, also impacting the aviation sector along with transport, power communication and other socio economic sectors. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), severity and frequency of thunderstorm/dust storms are expected to rise in years ahead due to rising global temperature.

So, how do you keep yourself safe during thunderstorms and dust storms. The NDMA has this advisory:

Tips Before Thunder/Dust Storm, Lighting Hits

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage during a severe thunderstorm.
• Postpone outdoor activities.
• Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Get inside a home, building, or hard top automobile (not a convertible).

Tips During a Thunder/Dust Storm, Lighting

• Avoid contact with corded phones and devices including those plugged into electric for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are OK to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes, and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• Avoid natural lightning rods such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area.
• Avoid hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water.
• Avoid contact with anything metal tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles.
• If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the strong rain ends.
• Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle.

Remember to not hit the roads as soon as the storm abates. If someone is hurt, call for emergency services. Specifically during a dust storm, keep the doors and windows closed. Air quality can be really poor. So stay indoors and avoid exerting yourself.