Heavy rain and strong winds lash Delhi; Jama Masjid suffers damage

Delhi was on Monday lashed by heavy rains and strong gusts of wind that caused power outages and waterlogging at several locations in the city.

The change in weather brought in much-needed respite to Delhi residents who had been bearing the brunt of the scorching heat in the last few days. The downpour was accompanied by thunder and strong winds blowing at 50 kilometres per hour.

Storm damages Jama Masjid minaret, finial

The storm broke the finial of the historic Jama Masjid and caused damage to the structure. At least two persons were injured by loose stones that fell from one of the minarets and other parts of the mosque, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari informed.

"The Kalas (finial) of the main dome fell off. It needs urgent repair to prevent further damage. Some stones of the mosque structure also loosened and fell off. I will write to the Prime Minister for immediate repair of the mosque roping in Archaeological Survey of India," Bukhari told PTI.

Delhi Waqf Board officials sent a team to Jama Masjid for assessing the damage. 

Social media abuzz

Social media was abuzz with visuals of the impact of the sudden weather change in parts of the city. The force was such that several air conditioning units at the Express Building on the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg broke away and were on the verge of falling down. 

Earlier in the day, the weather department had predicted overcast conditions for the city. Parts of the national capital had received light rain on Sunday evening as well with the maximum temperature settling at 40.7 degrees Celsius.