At least 10 flights bound for Delhi were diverted due to heavy rainfall in the national capital this evening. The weather office reported around 7 pm that clouds had converged over the city “from all four sectors,” with rain expected to last for two hours.
Severe Waterlogging and Flooding
Several parts of Delhi experienced significant waterlogging, rekindling haunting memories of the flooded basement at a coaching center in Rajinder Nagar on Saturday, where three students tragically lost their lives. The road outside the coaching center has been flooded again, with visuals showing people wading through knee-deep water.
Official Response
AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak was seen with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) team addressing the waterlogging in Old Rajinder Nagar. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has instructed all officers to remain alert and address issues in areas prone to waterlogging, including those with coaching centers.
“Have cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people in general, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centres,” Mr. Saxena posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Traffic and Infrastructure Impact
Heavy waterlogging has been reported in several areas, leading to long traffic jams. Notable affected locations include the Income Tax Office (ITO) junction, Connaught Place, Minto Road, and the Moti Bagh flyover. The underpass at Minto Bridge has been shut, and videos from Chandni Chowk show shopkeepers’ wares floating in accumulated water.
Reports have also emerged of houses collapsing in three to four areas of Delhi, though no injuries have been reported so far.
Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Office (IMD) posted on X that Delhi would witness light to moderate rainfall with isolated intense to very intense spells for the next two hours.
“Clouds have converged over Delhi from all 4 sectors. Widespread Light/Moderate Rainfall with isolated Intense to very intense Spell (3-5 cm/hr) likely over Delhi during next 2 hours,” the IMD’s handle stated.
As the heavy rain continues to disrupt normal life in Delhi, authorities are working to manage the situation and minimize inconvenience to the residents.
