Heavy rain lashes Delhi triggers widespread waterlogging

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially declared the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in Delhi as the heavy rain lashed entire city led to widespread waterloggings at many places.

The first monsoon shower brings must need relief to the people of Delhi-NCR , from the sweltering heat from the last two to three months.

Over the past 24 hours, the Indian Meteorological Department reported 228.1 mm of rain in Delhi, marking one of the wettest June spells in recent history. The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded 235.5 mm in June 1936.

In just three hours between 2:30 am and 5:30 am, the city experienced over 150 mm of rainfall.

Typically, Delhi receives an average of 80.6 mm of rain in June. With the southwest monsoon ready to advance into Delhi this weekend, heavy rains are expected to continue until Tuesday, July 2.

The IMD has also forecasted fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning during this period.

Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel, advising preparedness for further disruptions.

On the other parts of the country, IMD said, “Southwest Monsoon further advanced into some more parts of West Rajasthan, remaining parts of East Rajasthan, some parts of Haryana, entire Delhi, some more parts of West Uttar Pradesh; remaining parts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and some more parts of East Uttar Pradesh.”

It said that conditions are likely to become favourable for the further advance of the Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu in the next 2-3 days.

The heavy rains that lashed the capital have, however, inundated parts of Delhi. It also led to the collapse of a portion of the roof at Delhi airport’s Terminal 1, leading to cancellation and delay of multiple flights.

The deluge significantly impacted daily life in Delhi-NCR, with commuters facing severe waterlogging and traffic jams during their morning commute.

Visuals on social media also showed inundated roads and long traffic jams. Severe waterlogging on Delhi’s Minto Road led to vehicles being submerged.

The crucial Ring Road was impacted in both directions from Naraina to Moti Bagh due to waterlogging under the Dhaula Kuan flyover.

The Hanuman Temple Intersection leading to Mandi House was submerged under three feet of water, leading to road closures and disruptions on Ashoka Road, Feroz Shah Road, and Connaught Place. Similar conditions were reported at Moolchand and other areas of Delhi.

In Noida, the situation was equally dire. Despite inspections by the CEO of Noida Authority and officials on Thursday, the rain caused severe waterlogging in many areas, including the Mahamaya Flyover, Sector 62, and Sector 15 and 16.