Delhi Rain Update: Schools Closed, Flights Diverted and Severe Traffic Disruptions Amidst Heavy Rainfall

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Heavy Delhi rain has led to widespread chaos, resulting in several fatalities, school closures, and flight diversions. The torrential downpour caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions, stranding many residents. The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall until August 5, urging citizens to stay indoors and take necessary precautions.
Delhi Rain Updates

Delhi– Heavy rains pummeled Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday evening, leading to widespread waterlogging, severe traffic disruptions, and flight diversions. The torrential downpour resulted in the deaths of seven people across the region, including tragic incidents of drowning and electrocution.

As the city braces for continued rainfall, authorities have implemented various safety measures, including school closures and advisories to stay indoors.

Rainfall Impact and Fatalities

The heavy rains began late Wednesday evening, inundating large parts of Delhi and its neighboring regions. Waterlogging was reported across multiple areas, leading to severe traffic snarls and stranded commuters. Tragically, seven people lost their lives due to the extreme weather conditions.

In Delhi, a 22-year-old woman named Tanuja and her three-year-old son drowned after slipping into a waterlogged drain in the Ghazipur area. The roadside drain, which was under construction, became a death trap due to the accumulation of rainwater.

In Gurugram, three individuals died from electrocution after coming into contact with a high-tension wire that had fallen due to the heavy rain. Additionally, in Greater Noida, two people were killed in a wall collapse in the Dadri area. The incessant rain weakened the structure, leading to its collapse and subsequent fatalities.

The severe weather conditions also disrupted air travel. Ten flights scheduled to land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were diverted due to the torrential downpour. Eight flights were rerouted to Jaipur, while two were redirected to Lucknow. IndiGo Airlines reported ongoing disruptions to their flight operations due to the adverse weather.

The heavy rainfall has also caused severe traffic jams across Delhi-NCR. Key areas such as Lutyens’ Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad experienced significant waterlogging, leading to chaotic traffic conditions. Visuals from Old Rajinder Nagar showed knee-deep water, while Connaught Place saw water entering showrooms and restaurants.

Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories urging commuters to avoid certain roads and underpasses that were heavily waterlogged. The department is actively updating the public through social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter, to keep citizens informed about cleared routes and ongoing traffic situations.

Delhi Rain Update: Schools Closed, Flights Diverted and Severe Traffic Disruptions Amidst Heavy Rainfall

School Closures and Public Safety Measures

In response to the severe weather, the Delhi government announced the closure of all schools on Thursday. Both government and private schools were ordered to shut to ensure the safety of students amidst the ongoing storm. Delhi Education Minister Atishi confirmed the decision on X, citing the heavy rainfall and the forecast for continued downpours as the reasons for the closure.

The continuous rainfall also prompted the IMD to include Delhi in its National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin as an area of concern. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. The authorities have also warned about the potential for localised flooding and traffic disruptions due to slippery roads and low visibility.

Infrastructure Damage and Power Outages

The heavy rains led to multiple incidents of infrastructure damage. In north Delhi’s Sabzi Mandi area, a house collapsed, injuring one person. Fire engines deployed to the scene faced challenges navigating through traffic congestion caused by the rain. In Vasant Kunj, another wall collapse resulted in injuries to a woman, while the wall of a private school in Daryaganj fell, damaging a parked car.

Several areas in Delhi also experienced power outages during the downpour, adding to the challenges faced by residents. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has urged all officers to remain alert and respond promptly to any emergencies arising from the heavy rainfall.

Weather Forecast and Continued Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued heavy rainfall for Delhi-NCR until August 5. The IMD has issued a red alert, warning of persistent showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The weather department recorded significant rainfall across various parts of the city, with East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar area receiving a staggering 147.5 mm of rain. Other notable recordings include Najafgarh with 113 mm, and the Safdarjung observatory with 105.6 mm of rainfall.

A Quick Review

As Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rains, authorities and residents alike are on high alert for further weather-related disruptions. With the IMD forecasting continued rainfall until August 5, the city is bracing for more challenges in the days ahead. Safety measures, including school closures and public advisories, remain in place to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather conditions.

By staying informed and adhering to safety guidelines, residents can navigate the difficulties posed by the heavy rains and ensure their safety during this challenging period.

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