Delhi Rains: Live Updates and Impact on the National Capital

On Wednesday, the national capital Delhi experienced heavy rainfall that significantly disrupted daily life. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory urging residents to avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. The advisory specifically warned against visiting areas prone to waterlogging, emphasizing the risks posed by the ongoing downpour.


IMD Issues Weather Alerts

The IMD has issued a 'red alert' for Delhi until 8:30 AM today, which will be followed by an 'orange alert' for the next 24 hours. According to the IMD, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in various parts of Delhi, including North Delhi, Central Delhi, South Delhi, and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR). This weather pattern is expected to persist until August 5, bringing intermittent showers to the region.


Impact on NCR and Surrounding Areas

The rainfall has not been confined to Delhi alone. Neighboring areas within the NCR, such as Noida and Gurgaon, have also experienced thunderstorms and light rain. The continuous downpour has resulted in waterlogging in various parts of the city, exacerbating the situation for commuters and residents.


Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions

Waterlogging has been reported in several key areas of Delhi, including ITO, Ganesh Nagar, and Patparganj. This has led to significant traffic disruptions, with Delhi Police issuing advisories to caution drivers. Visuals from these areas show roads submerged in water, making travel hazardous. Despite the rain subsiding in the early hours of Thursday, waterlogging persisted, causing further inconvenience.

Fatal Incidents Due to Waterlogging

Tragically, the heavy rains have led to fatal incidents. A 22-year-old woman named Tanuja and her 3-year-old son, Priyansh, drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain in the Ghazipur area of East Delhi. The drain, which is 15 feet deep and 6 feet wide, became a death trap as the duo were on their way to a local market. The incident highlights the severe consequences of inadequate infrastructure in the face of such weather conditions.

School Closures and Public Safety Warnings

In response to the severe weather, the Directorate of Education in Delhi has announced that all government, government-aided, and recognized unaided private schools will remain closed on August 1. The decision was made in light of the heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging, which posed a risk to students and staff. Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has also cautioned all officers to remain alert and vigilant in response to the ongoing situation.


IMD’s Continued Warnings

The IMD has continued to issue warnings about the weather, advising residents to be cautious of slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localized waterlogging in low-lying areas. The agency has forecasted that the rainy conditions will persist, with intermittent showers expected to continue until August 5.

Flight Delays and Diversions

The heavy rainfall has also impacted air travel. IndiGo Airlines reported delays in both departures and arrivals, which are expected to continue throughout the morning. On Wednesday evening, Delhi Airport reported the diversion of 10 flights between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM due to the adverse weather conditions. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates on their flights.

Mayur Vihar Records Maximum Rainfall

The Salwan School Station in Mayur Vihar, East Delhi, recorded the highest rainfall in the city, with 147.5 mm of rain between 8:30 AM on July 31 and 7:15 AM today. This is followed by NCMRWF in Noida, which recorded 118.5 mm of rainfall. These figures underscore the intensity of the rain that has lashed the region.

Traffic Jams and Public Inconvenience

Heavy rains have led to traffic jams in several parts of Delhi, with the ITO area being particularly affected. Videos circulating on social media show vehicles wading through deep water, adding to the frustration of commuters. The situation has been compounded by house collapses in areas like Sabzi Mandi, although no casualties have been reported so far.

Government Response and Public Reactions

The Delhi government and civic bodies are working to manage the situation, with pumping operations underway to drain water from flooded areas. However, the response has drawn criticism from some quarters. Ashneer Grover, founder of BharatPe, sarcastically commented on the situation, likening the driving conditions in Delhi to a "genocide" due to the dangers posed by the waterlogged roads.

In a related incident, the driver of an SUV who was involved in the drowning of three civil services aspirants in a coaching center basement was denied bail by a Delhi court. The magistrate cited CCTV footage showing the driver speeding through a waterlogged road, which caused a large displacement of water and led to the tragic deaths. This case has sparked outrage and highlighted the need for responsible behavior during such adverse conditions.

Conclusion

The heavy rainfall in Delhi has not only disrupted daily life but has also exposed the vulnerabilities of the city's infrastructure. As the rain continues, residents are urged to exercise caution and stay informed through official channels. The IMD and other authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and further updates are expected as the weather develops. The events of the past 24 hours serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather and the importance of preparedness and timely response in mitigating its impact.