A sudden and intense downpour brought Delhi to a standstill on Wednesday evening, with the city recording over 100 millimetres of rainfall within a single hour.
This extreme weather event, classified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a “cloud burst,” prompted the issuance of a red alert, signalling severe weather conditions and urging residents to exercise caution The deluge led to widespread waterlogging across the national capital, severely disrupting daily life. Key areas such as Lutyens’ Delhi, Kashmere Gate, Rajinder Nagar, and the vicinity of Qutub Minar experienced significant flooding, rendering roads impassable and causing massive traffic congestion. The Delhi Traffic Police issued multiple advisories, urging commuters to avoid waterlogged routes and plan their journeys accordingly.
The aviation sector was not spared, with at least 10 flights scheduled to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport being diverted to alternative destinations, including Jaipur and Lucknow. Airlines issued statements advising passengers to check flight statuses and anticipate delays due to the adverse weather conditions In response to the crisis, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor directed officials to remain vigilant and address issues in waterlogging-prone areas, emphasizing the need to minimize public inconvenience. The IMD’s advisory recommended residents stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel to mitigate risks associated with the severe weather.
The IMD has forecasted continued wet weather in Delhi until August 5, with intermittent showers expected to persist. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and take necessary precautions during this period.
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