Rain havoc across Delhi-NCR, waterlogging chokes key roads (Lead)
New Delhi, Aug 7
Torrential rain pounded Delhi and the National Capital Region on Friday, with roads getting flooded, disrupting transport and triggering multiple emergency incidents across the region, even as the India Meteorological Department said moderate to heavy showers would persist through the day before easing from Saturday, with only light rainfall expected over the following two days.
South Delhi's MB Road witnessed some of the worst flooding, particularly near the Air Force Station, where water levels reached nearly four feet, leaving vehicles stranded and traffic virtually paralysed. Nearby areas, including Okhla Mor, Khanpur, Deoli, Ambedkar Nagar and Sangam Vihar, also experienced severe waterlogging. Long traffic snarls were caused due to all this. Several motorcycles and autorickshaws reportedly stalled after entering flooded stretches. According to reports, Air Force trucks assisted movement in inundated sections.
Traffic remained slow across several major routes, including ITO, Patel Road, Rohtak Road, Wazirabad Road, Kirti Nagar, Shaheen Bagh, the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, and areas around Badarpur Border Metro Station. Flooded subways and submerged roads added to commuters' difficulties.
The relentless rain also led to nine house collapses and sixteen incidents of fallen trees, according to the Delhi Fire Service. In one rescue operation, firefighters safely evacuated three women after a tree crashed onto their house. No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
Safdarjung recorded 59.2 mm of rainfall by Friday morning, while Lodhi Road received 60.4 mm. Ridge logged 57 mm, with lower rainfall recorded at Ayanagar and Palam.
The impact extended to neighbouring Noida and Gurugram. In Noida, waterlogged roads caused heavy congestion, while an ambulance remained stuck for over 30 minutes in a flooded underpass near Mahamaya Flyover. In Gurugram, rainwater entered the Civil Hospital basement, forcing authorities to suspend services operating there.
Several NCR locations crossed 100 mm of rainfall by evening, with Faridabad's Sector 17 recording 119.4 mm. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel as flooding is expected to persist through Friday night.
— IANS
Reader Comments
My husband was stuck on MB Road for 3 hours! Saw the Air Force trucks helping people, really appreciate their quick response. But why does the city always get paralysed after just a few hours of rain? 😤
The problem is clear: our stormwater drains are choked with solid waste. We all need to stop throwing garbage in drains and demand accountability from the municipality. It's sad that even newly-developed areas like Noida are drowning.
Thankful no lives were lost in those house collapses and tree incidents. The fire services did a great job rescuing those women. Let's focus on systematic improvements rather than quick fixes. Also kudos to the Air Force for lending a hand! 🙏
Honestly, the urban planning in Delhi is a joke. We're in 2024 and can't handle a little rain without it becoming a crisis. The poor auto and bike riders are worst affected. Who will compensate those who lost earnings today?
As an expat who's lived in Delhi for 5 years, I've seen this tragedy repeat every monsoon. Modern cities like Singapore handle much heavier rainfall without flooding. We need a comprehensive stormwater management masterplan, not ad-hoc patches.
The fact that an ambulance was stuck for 30 minutes
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