Heavy downpour floods key areas of Delhi-NCR on Raksha Bandhan, bringing traffic to a halt as IMD warns of more rain and rising Yamuna levels.
Delhi woke up to a rain-soaked morning on Saturday as heavy showers drenched the city, causing severe waterlogging and traffic chaos across multiple areas. The downpour, which began late Friday night, intensified through the early hours, turning several key stretches into mini water bodies and slowing down life on what was supposed to be a festive Raksha Bandhan morning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi, warning of very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across North, South, West, South East, and Central Delhi. Neighbouring Ghaziabad was also placed under a red alert, while Gautam Buddha Nagar received a yellow alert for thunderstorms. In Haryana, Palwal, Gurgaon, and Faridabad were placed under an orange alert.
By mid-morning, water had accumulated in prominent areas such as Panchkuian Marg, Mathura Road, Connaught Place, Bharat Mandapam’s Gate No. 7, and the busy ITO intersection. Even central government buildings like Shastri Bhawan and residential colonies such as RK Puram and Moti Bagh were not spared. Commuters found themselves stranded in traffic jams that stretched for kilometres, with several underpasses rendered impassable due to flooding.
Traffic Snarls and Flight Delays
The heavy rain coincided with one of the busiest travel days of the month. Many Delhiites, returning home or heading out for Raksha Bandhan celebrations, found themselves stuck for hours in gridlocked traffic. One resident, who had just landed from Thiruvananthapuram, recounted taking over three hours to reach Mayur Vihar—a distance of barely 25 km—due to waterlogged stretches and bottlenecks like the Sarai Kale Khan intersection.
At Indira Gandhi International Airport, operations remained largely functional but not without delays. More than 180 flights were reported late, and airlines like IndiGo and SpiceJet advised passengers to factor in extra travel time due to traffic congestion in the city.
Yamuna River Inches Toward Danger Mark
Adding to concerns, the Yamuna River’s water level touched 205.15 metres—just shy of the danger mark of 205.33 metres—before dipping slightly. This rise was attributed to heavy rainfall in Haryana and Uttarakhand, combined with controlled water releases from the Wazirabad and Hathnikund barrages. Authorities kept flood monitoring systems on high alert, preparing for possible evacuation in low-lying areas if levels rose further.
The IMD’s forecast for the day predicted moderate to heavy rainfall at most places in Delhi-NCR, with gusty winds of 30–40 km/h. Temperatures were expected to range between 24°C and 34°C. Despite the disruption, the showers provided some relief from the recent spell of heat and humidity.
Himachal Pradesh Also on Alert
While Delhi struggled with urban flooding, the IMD issued an orange alert for parts of Himachal Pradesh, forecasting heavy rain on August 11 and 12. Since June 20, over 200 people in the hill state have lost their lives to rain-related incidents, underscoring the severity of this year’s monsoon.
Safety Guidelines for Residents
City authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and follow basic safety measures during the ongoing heavy rains:
- Stay indoors during thunderstorms and lightning.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and refrain from entering waterlogged areas.
- Keep a safe distance from electrical poles, transformers, and streetlights.
- Turn off the main power supply if water seeps into electrical wiring, and only restore it after professional inspection.
- Keep children away from flooded parks, roads, and drains.
- Regularly monitor official weather updates and advisories.
A Reminder of Delhi’s Urban Challenges
The heavy showers and widespread waterlogging once again highlight Delhi’s struggle with monsoon preparedness. Despite annual warnings, key areas of the capital continue to be vulnerable to flooding, raising questions about drainage systems and long-term infrastructure planning.
While the rains are vital for replenishing water resources, their impact on daily life reveals the urgent need for robust stormwater management, sustainable urban design, and coordinated disaster response. Until then, every intense spell of rain will continue to test the resilience of Delhi and its neighbouring cities.
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