Severe overnight rainfall impacted large areas of Delhi on Thursday, resulting in significant waterlogging and disrupted traffic. Roads turned into streams due to the deluge, which overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems. Videos circulated on social media depicted vehicles navigating through flooded streets and pedestrians wading through knee-deep water.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Safdarjung weather station recorded 72.6 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am. Other areas faced even higher precipitation, including Lodhi Road at 80.2 mm and Ridge at 77.8 mm. Key regions like Greater Kailash and Badarpur also experienced severe flooding.

This unexpected storm led to considerable traffic congestion across major roads, including the Delhi-Noida Expressway and National Highway-48. Visibility was markedly reduced, causing delays for commuters. The situation was further exacerbated by fallen trees along the roads. Emergency teams were deployed to manage the crisis and clear major routes.

Building Collapse Results in Fatalities

Amidst the torrential rain, a tragic incident occurred in Rohini, where a four-storey building under construction collapsed. Reports indicated that three individuals lost their lives in this event. The collapse highlighted the dangers of inadequate construction practices, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

As the rain continued, emergency services reported numerous complaints about waterlogging, fallen trees, and power interruptions throughout the city. Civic agencies worked around the clock to address these issues and restore normalcy. Fortunately, there were no injuries linked to fallen trees in areas such as East of Kailash, despite temporary road blockages.

The heavy rainfall not only affected Delhi but also had a substantial impact on neighbouring Gurugram. Flooded roads left many vehicles stranded, causing significant traffic jams on the Delhi-Jaipur Highway. Key trouble spots included Narsinghpur and Sohna Road, where the flooding created severe congestion.

Future Weather Forecast and Air Quality Update

The IMD attributed the heavy rain and adverse weather conditions to the seasonal monsoon trough shifting north towards the Himalayas. Ongoing rain in the region is expected to persist as the atmospheric system continues to move. Weather officials have advised citizens to remain cautious during this period.

Despite the heavy downpours, Delhi’s air quality has remained relatively stable, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 61 on Thursday morning, categorised as ‘satisfactory’. This suggests that, while the weather challenges remain concerning, air pollution levels have not significantly deteriorated during this period of heavy rain.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of the rainfall and the collapse incident, local authorities are likely to review preparations for managing similar weather events in the future. Continued monitoring and timely updates will be essential for minimising risks and ensuring public safety during the ongoing monsoon season.

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