Dense Fog and Cold Wave Cripple North India: Flights, Trains Delayed
North India is currently grappling with a severe cold wave, accompanied by dense fog that has severely disrupted air and rail travel. The impact is widespread, affecting thousands of travelers and causing significant delays and cancellations across the region.
Delhi Airport: Hundreds of Flights Affected
Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport bore the brunt of the disruption, with over 400 flights affected on a single day due to drastically reduced visibility. The situation prompted numerous cancellations, delays, and diversions, creating considerable inconvenience for passengers.
Rail Travel Disruptions: Extensive Delays
The Indian Railways network also experienced significant delays. Reports indicate that more than 80 trains were delayed, stranding thousands of passengers and causing logistical nightmares across the extensive rail network. Passengers experienced significant delays, with some trains running up to eight hours behind schedule. Many were left stranded and facing uncertain travel arrangements.
Unprecedented Zero Visibility in Delhi
Delhi experienced an unprecedented nine-hour period of zero visibility, the longest such spell of the season. This extreme weather condition further exacerbated the already difficult travel situation. The prolonged period of zero visibility made even short distance journeys impossible and created a dangerous situation for commuters.
Road Accidents Rise Amidst Poor Visibility
The dense fog is not only affecting air and rail travel but also poses a serious threat on the roads. A significant increase in road accidents has been reported across several states in the region, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The reduced visibility is a major contributing factor to these accidents.
Fatal Accidents Highlight the Dangers of Fog
Several fatal accidents underscore the severity of the situation. A collision involving two cars and a truck resulted in two deaths and four injuries. Another accident on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway claimed one life and injured several passengers after a bus collided with a truck parked incorrectly in a lane. These tragic incidents highlight the crucial need for caution and extra safety measures in the challenging weather conditions.
Weather Forecast: More Disruptions Expected
The challenging weather conditions are expected to continue in many areas. The meteorological department has predicted further snowfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh. Cold wave conditions are also likely to persist in other regions, impacting transportation and daily life. Dense fog conditions are forecast to linger in several states, continuing to affect flights, trains and road travel in the coming days.
Temperature Fluctuations Predicted
While there is expected to be a short-term rise in minimum temperatures in some areas, this will be followed by another drop. The fluctuating temperatures will only add to the problems associated with the current weather situation. This volatile situation will only worsen already challenging weather and transportation situations.
Preparing for Adverse Conditions
Authorities and individuals across the impacted regions should take precautions and prepare for continued disruptions. Extra caution is needed while driving and those travelling by air or rail should prepare for significant delays and monitor service updates carefully.