Heavy rain triggers waterlogging, traffic congestion across Delhi-NCR; IMD issues red alert
New Delhi, Aug 7
Delhi and the adjoining National Capital Region witnessed continuous rainfall on Friday, bringing much-needed relief from heat and humidity but also causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions across several areas.
The southwest monsoon again lashed the national capital and surrounding regions after days of warm and humid weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi-NCR as intense showers continue to affect several parts of the region.
Continuous rainfall led to waterlogging in Durga Vihar in South Delhi, while heavy rain also caused flooding on Deoli Road. In neighbouring Noida of Uttar Pradesh, heavy rainfall resulted in severe waterlogging at the Sector 95 underpass, where an ambulance got stranded in deep water beneath the Mahamaya Flyover.
Apart from waterlogging, traffic congestion was reported from several major routes across Delhi, including Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ITO, Wazirabad Road, Patel Road, Rohtak Road, Shankar Road, the Kirti Nagar stretch, the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Peeragarhi, and Shaheen Bagh.
Traffic snarls were also reported in parts of east Delhi, including GT Road, GTB Enclave, and Dilshad Garden. Social media users shared visuals and reports of waterlogging from several other localities, including Dakshinpuri, Okhla, Sangam Vihar, Sainik Farms, and stretches of Mehrauli-Badarpur Road.
The IMD said the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall is being driven by a rare combination of multiple weather systems active over northern India. The department warned that intense monsoon showers could continue to cause waterlogging, traffic disruptions and localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
According to the weather department, the maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to remain between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to range between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius. Surface winds are expected to blow at speeds of 10-15 kmph.
The IMD has advised residents of Delhi and NCR to remain cautious while travelling and to avoid waterlogged areas as heavy rainfall continues across the region.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The red alert is serious - my office in Nehru Place was a mess this morning. Officials need to clear the drains before monsoon, not after. But honestly, the rain is such a relief after that stifling humidity. Just wish the roads could handle it better.
It's always the same pattern - potholes, waterlogging, traffic jams. The corporation blames the rain, but we all know the drainage system is clogged with garbage. Also, why is the ambulance in Noida stranded? Emergency vehicles should have priority access. This needs urgent fixing.
I live near ITO and it took me 2 hours to get to Saket today. 😩 The civic authorities should have de-silted the drains before monsoon. But, thanks to the IMD for the red alert - at least we knew what to expect. Stay safe, everyone!
The rare combination of weather systems is interesting - good analysis by IMD. But we need better urban planning, not just warnings. Waterlogging at Durga Vihar and Deoli Road is predictable every year. I hope the authorities take proactive steps rather than reactive measures.
Red alert means businesses lose hours, students miss classes, and workers can't get home. It's not just about rain - it's about how vulnerable our infrastructure is. Hope the stranded ambulance is okay. The administration needs to be more prepared for such events.
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