Torrential Rains Deluge Delhi-NCR As Downpour Breaks 88-Year-Old Record

The torrential rainfall in Delhi-NCR that began yesterday has led to major disruptions due to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic jams this morning.

The IMD reported that Delhi received 228 mm of rainfall from 8:30 am yesterday to 8:30 am today, marking the highest 24-hour rainfall in June since 1936, when 235.5 mm was recorded. This is a huge increase from the typical June average of 80.6 mm.

The deluge has heavily impacted daily life, with commuters facing severe waterlogging and traffic jams during their morning commute. However, the downpour provided some relief from the intense heat of the past two months, as the minimum temperature today dropped to 24.7 degrees Celsius, which is 3.2 degrees below normal.

This unprecedented rainfall has exposed shortcomings in the city's infrastructure. Despite assurances from Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi on June 18 that the city was prepared for the monsoon, the first significant rain has already caused major waterlogging. Oberoi had previously claimed that the storm drains were clean and ready, promising a hassle-free monsoon for Delhi residents.

Major intersections such as ITO experienced about 2-3 feet of water accumulation, causing extensive traffic jams. The Hanuman Temple Intersection leading to Mandi House was submerged under three feet of water, leading to road closures and disruptions on Ashoka Road, Feroz Shah Road, and Connaught Place. Similar conditions were reported in areas like Moolchand.

In Noida, the situation was equally severe. Despite inspections by the CEO of Noida Authority and officials on Thursday, many areas, including the Mahamaya Flyover, Sector 62, and Sector 15 and 16, experienced severe waterlogging.