Delhi NCR was brought to a standstill on Friday morning as relentless rainfall, coupled with thunderstorms and lightning, inundated low-lying areas across the national capital and its neighbouring cities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, warning of continued moderate to heavy showers throughout the day, which have already caused significant traffic congestion and urban waterlogging.Â
According to IMD forecasts, the southeastern, central, Shahdara, and eastern districts of Delhi are expected to experience the heaviest rainfall, while light rain and drizzle are predicted for other areas. Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad are also bracing for intermittent heavy showers, heightening concerns over urban flooding and transport disruption. Officials have urged residents to exercise caution and limit non-essential travel during peak rainfall hours.
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Meteorologists note that the Delhi-NCR rainfall is part of a broader monsoon system affecting North India. This extended rain spell has already caused extensive disruption in states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Authorities in Himachal Pradesh report over 500 blocked roads, including two national highways, along with the shutdown of more than 1,200 electricity transformers and 400 water supply schemes, hindering relief operations in affected areas.In Punjab, emergency response agencies, including the Indian Army, have intensified flood relief operations as over 800 villages continue to face post-flood recovery challenges.
The persistent rains have revived memories of historic flood events, prompting calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and climate-resilient infrastructure across the region. Experts highlight that climate-adaptive urban planning and sustainable water management systems are critical to mitigating such monsoon-induced hazards in densely populated cities like Delhi NCR.Urban planners and environmental authorities stress the need for greener infrastructure and effective drainage mechanisms to reduce waterlogging and maintain city resilience during extreme weather. Integrating zero-carbon and sustainable city planning practices could significantly limit the impact of similar future events while improving public safety and mobility.As the monsoon progresses, authorities across the region continue to monitor water levels, assess infrastructural vulnerabilities, and coordinate relief efforts to ensure minimal disruption to civic life. Citizens are advised to stay updated with official advisories and take precautions to avoid hazards associated with urban flooding and electrical disruptions during the ongoing heavy rainfall.
