Delhi: Rains cause waterlogging, traffic congestion; IMD predicts more showers

New Delhi: Severe waterlogging and traffic snarls disrupted movement in Delhi on Wednesday after heavy rains lashed the city, with more showers expected during the day.

Knee-deep water flooded roads in many parts of Delhi, leaving vehicles stuck and people wading through the water. Videos shared on social media showed rainwater entering schools, resulting in waterlogged classrooms.

More showers accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) are likely to occur in Delhi and the NCR, with some parts of the city under orange and yellow alerts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The orange alert indicates “be prepared,” while the yellow alert stands for “be aware,” according to the IMD’s colour code system.

As of 11.30 am, Safdarjung recorded 9.1 mm of rainfall, while other stations reported the following amounts: Lodhi Road 11.2 mm and Pragati Maidan 6 mm. Between 5:30 am and 8:30 am, Safdarjung recorded 5.6 mm of rain, while other areas saw higher totals: Pragati Maidan 16.6 mm, Pusa 10 mm, Janakpuri 9.5 mm, and Najafgarh 2 mm.

Waterlogging and traffic disruptions were reported from several parts of Delhi, including South Delhi, Southeast Delhi, North Delhi, ITO, South Extension, NH-8, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Road, Nehru Place, East of Kailash, and Colony Road, among others.

Meanwhile, according to the Public Works Department (PWD) officials, there was no major waterlogging reported from identified hotspot areas like the Minto Bridge underpass. However, around 20 waterlogging-related calls were received at the flood control room. Affected locations included Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, Old Rohtak Road, opposite the DTC depot in Nand Nagri, Okhla Main Road, and Ghazipur Murga Mandi.

“We deployed Quick Response Teams (QRT) with pumps to carry out dewatering operations at several locations since morning. In some areas, there might have been temporary waterlogging, but it was cleared within an hour,” a PWD official said.

Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors, avoid travelling, adhere to traffic updates, keep away from electric poles and wires, and refrain from sheltering under trees.

The showers led to a drop in temperature, providing relief to residents affected by the humidity.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.6 degrees Celsius, 1.7 degrees below normal, while the maximum temperature is expected to settle around 33 degrees Celsius, according to the IMD.