Monsoon Deluge in Delhi: Extensive Flooding Swamps Certain Areas, Countless Flights Postponed
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Traffic Disruptions in Delhi-NCR
Delhi-NCR is currently experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to flooding, traffic disruptions, and a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD reported heavy downpours since around 2 am, with areas like Aya Nagar receiving 57.4 mm of rain and Palam 49.4 mm by early morning. Thunderstorms and lightning with wind speeds up to 40 km/h are expected throughout the day.
The heavy rains have caused severe waterlogging in many parts of Delhi-NCR, including Connaught Place, India Gate, Lajpat Nagar, Dwarka, Rohini, and Palam Vihar. Traffic is heavily affected with jams and flooded roads reported in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram. Key roads such as Old GT Road face severe congestion due to waterlogging at GTK Depot, Jahangirpuri, and Adarsh Nagar. Commuters are advised to avoid these routes and plan for alternative paths.
The IMD forecasts continued light to moderate rain throughout the day with similar weather conditions expected until August 17, 2025. The city’s temperature dropped to a minimum of 23.6°C, and the Air Quality Index remains moderate at 110.
Meanwhile, an orange alert for moderate to heavy rain has been issued for three districts in Himachal Pradesh. Over 200 people have died in Himachal Pradesh since June 20 due to rain-related incidents, but no details on the cause or extent of the rain-related incidents are provided.
In Uttarkashi, flash floods are ongoing amid heavy rain, with around 150 people rescued so far. Eleven soldiers remain missing, but no details on the cause of the flash floods or the impact on the local population or infrastructure are provided. A part of Patna's newly inaugurated double-deck flyover has sunk amid heavy rain, but no information regarding the impact on the local population or traffic is provided.
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport are currently normal despite the weather conditions. However, around 90 flights were delayed due to the inclement weather in Delhi.
Residents are advised to exercise caution and follow official advisories for safety and travel planning. The Delhi government's walkathon planned for Independence Day was cancelled due to the heavy rainfall. The IMD predicts that the heavy rainfall will continue until August 17, 2025.
- The heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR impacts not only the city's transportation system but also local businesses, as congested roads may deter potential customers.
- The increased frequency of heavy rain and floods in Delhi-NCR, as a result of climate change, raises concerns about the city's health and environmental conditions, especially regarding water quality and air pollution.
- The continuous rainfall in various regions of India, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarkashi, could have a significant impact on environmental science, science, and climate-change research, due to the potential for data collection on weather patterns and natural disasters.
