Monsoon ends heatwave in India

• The heatwaves affected South Asia, particularly the north, home to over 400 million people, including Delhi.
• All departures have been temporarily suspended and check-in counters have been closed until further notice.
• Forecasters predict rains will continue for more than a week, with hot days expected to return in July.

The monsoon arrived in the Indian capital on Friday after two months of severe heatwaves, with heavy rains wreaking havoc at Delhi airport and grounding domestic flights.

Prolonged extreme heat roiled parts of South Asia, affecting some of the world’s most densely populated regions in May and June. In India, the heat particularly impacted the north, home to more than 400 million people, including Delhi with its 30 million inhabitants.

Until last week, temperatures in the Indian capital soared above 45 degrees Celsius, causing a water crisis that necessitated the use of tankers for distribution when water taps ran dry in parts of the city.

The Indian Meteorological Department announced on Friday morning that the monsoon had advanced into the entire Delhi region, bringing heavy rains that lashed the city. The downpour caused the roof of a domestic flight terminal building at Indira Gandhi International Airport to collapse, killing one person.

At least eight people sustained injuries.

“As a result, all departures have been temporarily suspended and all check-in counters have been closed till further notice,” the Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement.

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