Heavy rain and waterlogging cripple Delhi-NCR, over 340 flights delayed

Incessant rainfall over the past few days has brought life to a standstill in Delhi-NCR, triggering widespread waterlogging across both residential and commercial areas. Heavy rain continues to lash several parts of the national capital, including Safdarjung, Kashmere Gate, Connaught Place, India Gate and other areas.

Flight operations were also impacted at Delhi airport, with as many as 273 departures and 73 arrivals witnessing delays till 5 pm, as per Flightradar24 website. A key stretch near IGI Airport is flooded, causing massive traffic snarls, while several key roads of Gurugram remain submerged disrupting daily life.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall across several parts of Delhi-NCR, with overcast skies and intermittent showers already seen in many areas by afternoon.

A red alert was issued for central, east, northeast, Shahdara, south and southeast Delhi, indicating the likelihood of intense rainfall in the afternoon till 4.30 pm, which was later updated to yellow alert till 7.30 pm. The weather department had also issued an orange alert for New Delhi, north, northwest, southwest and west Delhi, along with adjoining NCR areas including Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and Gurugram till 6.30 pm.

In a post on X, Regional Met Centre, New Delhi said that thunderstorms, lightning and heavy to moderate rain are expected in most parts of the capital.

“Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by light thunderstorm and lightning (30-40 Km/h gusty winds) is very likely to occur at the entire Delhi & NCR, Yamunanagar, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Narwana, Karnal, Rajaund, Assandh, Safidon, Jind, Panipat, Gohana, Tizara, Khairthal, Kotputli, Alwar, Viratnagar, Nagar, Deeg, Laxmangarh, Rajgarh, Nadbai, Bharatpur, Mahawa, Mahandipur Balaji, Bayana, Dholpur (Rajasthan)...during the next 2 hours,” the Regional Met Centre, New Delhi said in a post at 4.16 pm.

YAMUNA NEAR ALL-TIME RECORD MARK

Meanwhile, more than 7,500 residents were evacuated from low-lying, flood-prone areas on Wednesday as the Yamuna river reached 207.19 metres at the Old Railway Bridge around 4 pm. The displaced individuals have been relocated to 25 relief camps set up across the city for shelter and support. Also, drone visuals show Yamuna Bazaar inundated as the Yamuna river continues to swell.

The discharge from the Hathni Kund Barrage was recorded at 1,65,211 cusecs, while the Wazirabad Barrage reported a discharge of 1,76,850 cusecs. At the Okhla Barrage, the discharge was even higher, reaching 2,09,439 cusecs. Delhi Flood and Irrigation Minister Parvesh Verma also reviewed the ITO barrage today amid the rising water level.

FLIGHTS OPS AT DELHI AIRPORT HIT

Flight operations were hit at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, with as many as 273 departures and 73 arrivals witnessing delays till 5 pm, as per Flightradar24 website.

Delhi airport has issued an advisory in view of the heavy rain and the weather department's forecast for the capital and neighbouring regions. "As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, Delhi is experiencing inclement weather conditions. There might be impact on flight operations. Our on-ground teams are working diligently with all stakeholders to ensure your journey remains hassle-free," it said in a post on X.

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