Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Delhi-NCR yesterday, resulting in multiple fatalities, school closures, and severe disruptions across the region.
Record Rainfall and Red Alert
Delhi experienced an unprecedented downpour, leading the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert. Parts of the city recorded the highest rainfall in recent years, causing widespread waterlogging and flooding. The IMD advised residents to stay indoors, secure their homes, and avoid unnecessary travel due to the potential hazards posed by the heavy rain.
School Closures Announced
In response to the extreme weather, Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced the closure of all schools in the city for August 1. This precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst the chaotic conditions. Parents were advised to keep their children indoors and avoid sending them to tuition classes or outdoor activities.
Traffic Chaos and Waterlogging
Commuters faced massive traffic jams across Delhi and the Delhi-Noida Expressway. The Mehrauli-Chhattarpur road saw commuters stuck for over 1.5 hours, while long queues of vehicles were spotted on the DND Flyway from Noida to Delhi’s Moolchand. Roads in Lutyens’ Delhi and those leading to Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad were particularly congested. The incessant rain caused severe waterlogging, making several key routes impassable and leading to prolonged delays.
Flooding in Key Areas
Old Rajinder Nagar, a site of protests over the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a flooded coaching institute basement, was submerged in knee-deep water. Connaught Place, a major commercial hub, experienced significant flooding, impacting several showrooms and restaurants. In residential areas like East Delhi’s Ghazipur, Tanuja and her three-year-old son Priyansh drowned after slipping into a waterlogged drain near Khoda Colony, highlighting the perilous conditions residents faced.
Structural Collapses and Casualties
The heavy rains also caused structural damage across the region. In north Delhi’s Sabji Mandi area, a house collapse near Robin Cinema injured one person, while in Vasant Kunj, a woman was hurt due to a wall collapse. In Noida, several underpasses were flooded, and a wall collapse resulted in two deaths. Additionally, three people were electrocuted in Gurugram’s IFFCO Chowk when a faulty wire fell onto a waterlogged road, adding to the day’s grim toll.
Air Traffic Disruptions
The adverse weather conditions extended to air travel, with at least 10 flights to Delhi being diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow. The weather also caused delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded. Despite display boards at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport showing flights as on time, passengers were informed of delays upon entering the gates. Airlines have warned of further potential disruptions due to the continuing bad weather.
The torrential rains have left Delhi-NCR grappling with severe disruptions and multiple tragedies. Authorities continue to manage the situation, urging residents to remain cautious and prioritize safety. Emergency services are on high alert, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy in the affected areas. The IMD continues to monitor the weather and provide updates, as the region braces for more rainfall in the coming days.
(With inputs from agencies)
