New Delhi, June 11 -- With Delhi witnessing repeated thunderstorms and dust storms, with wind speeds crossing 100km/hour in parts of the city, the public works department (PWD) has directed officials to temporarily take down around 500 monumental national flags installed across the capital.

On Wednesday evening, squalls and rain swept across Delhi, with multiple areas recording high wind speeds. Pusa registered the highest wind speed at 128 kmph, followed by Palam at 120 kmph - the highest recorded at the station since April 27, 2005.

The flags are made of polyester to minimise wear and tear, but officials said they are not designed to withstand sustained high-speed winds of the kind witnessed in recent days.

A senior government offici...