Delhi Paralyzed by Heavy Rain: Traffic Snarls, Schools Closed

Heavy rainfall on Wednesday evening caused severe disruptions in Delhi, leading to significant waterlogging and traffic chaos. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red weather warning, advising residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Many roads were submerged, making them impassable and leaving numerous people stranded.

Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced that all schools in the city would remain closed on Thursday due to the heavy rainfall. "In light of the very heavy rainfall this evening and the forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools both government and private will remain closed on August 1st," she posted on X.

Impact on Air Traffic

The inclement weather also affected air traffic, with at least ten flights scheduled to land at Delhi airport being diverted. Eight flights were redirected to Jaipur and two to Lucknow. Airlines warned of potential further disruptions due to the adverse weather conditions.

The IMD reported significant rainfall in various parts of the city. Safdarjung recorded 79.2 mm of rain between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm, Mayur Vihar saw 119 mm, Delhi University had 77.5 mm, Pusa recorded 66.5 mm, and Palam observatory noted 43.7 mm.

Traffic Chaos and Waterlogging

The heavy downpour led to widespread waterlogging, prompting the traffic police to issue advisories for commuters. Key roads such as Moolchand towards Chirag Delhi, Anuvrat Marg, Outer Ring Road, Syama Prasad Mukherjee Marg, and Mahatma Gandhi Marg experienced severe vehicular movement disruptions.

In Old Rajinder Nagar, knee-deep water was reported where students were protesting the death of three UPSC aspirants due to flooding in a coaching institute basement. Connaught Place saw water entering many showrooms and restaurants.

Structural Damages

A house collapse was reported in north Delhi's Sabji Mandi area near Ghanta Ghar close to Robin Cinema. Details were still awaited from the Delhi Fire Services regarding this incident.

In Old Delhi's Daryaganj area, a school boundary wall collapsed onto parked cars while the road beneath caved in. South Delhi's Chhatarpur area witnessed floating slippers on waterlogged streets as vehicles passed by.

Government Response

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena instructed officers to stay alert and address issues at waterlogging-prone sites, including coaching centres. "Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people in general, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging," he posted on X.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi received four complaints about waterlogging and three calls about fallen trees from different parts of the city. Power cuts were also reported across various areas.

Political Reactions

The BJP criticised the ruling AAP government for negligence and mismanagement during the crisis. In response, Atishi stated that both the city government and MCD were closely monitoring low-lying areas and vulnerable locations to prevent any untoward incidents.

"There has been very heavy rainfall in Delhi in the last two hours. Delhi Govt and MCD are maintaining a close watch on low lying areas and vulnerable waterlogging locations," she said in another post on X.

The national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius during the day. The IMD has predicted continued wet weather in the city until August 5.

Rainwater also entered the Press Club of India, where people were seen sitting in knee-deep water according to a photo shared online. The ITO intersection, Dhaula Kuan area, and roads leading to the airport experienced traffic snarls due to inundation.