Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced that schools across the national capital will be closed on Thursday due to the continuing heavy rainfall.
Digital Desk: Heavy rain pounded Delhi on Wednesday evening, leaving much of the city waterlogged and severely disrupting traffic, causing many residents to be stranded for hours. The deluge resulted in the tragic deaths of a woman and her child, who drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain.
The torrential rain led to the diversion of 10 flights scheduled to land at Delhi airport. Eight of these flights were rerouted to Jaipur, while two were sent to Lucknow. IndiGo has reported ongoing delays in both departures and arrivals. The airline issued a statement on X, acknowledging the inconvenience and apologizing for the disruption.
"We want to keep you informed that our departures and arrivals are still experiencing delays, which may continue through the morning. We understand that waiting through the night can be bothersome and inconvenient, and we sincerely regret the discomfort this may cause," the airline said on X.
Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced that schools across the national capital will be closed on Thursday due to the continuing heavy rainfall.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, forecasting that the severe weather will persist. According to the latest IMD bulletin, heavy rain along with thunderstorms and lightning is expected to continue in Delhi until August 5.
During the downpour, Safdarjung, the primary weather station in Delhi, recorded 79.2 mm of rainfall between 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Other areas reported varying rainfall levels: Mayur Vihar with 119 mm, Pusa with 66.5 mm, Delhi University with 77.5 mm, and the Palam observatory with 43.7 mm. The maximum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 37.8 degrees Celsius.
Mother and Son Drown
According to police reports, Tanuja, 22, and her three-year-old son drowned after falling into a waterlogged drain in the Ghazipur area of east Delhi. The drain, which was under construction, was 15 feet deep and six feet wide. The bodies have been recovered, and further legal actions will follow, the police stated.
House and School Wall Collapses
The relentless rain also caused a house to collapse in the Sabzi Mandi area of north Delhi, injuring one person. Five fire engines responding to the incident faced traffic congestion due to the heavy rain. In Vasant Kunj, a woman was injured when a wall collapsed, and in Daryaganj, a private school's wall fell, damaging a nearby car. News agency ANI shared visuals showing the car severely mangled.
Traffic Disruptions
Key areas of Delhi-NCR were submerged, with underpasses and major roads flooded. Traffic was particularly chaotic in Lutyens' Delhi and routes leading to Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. Old Rajinder Nagar, where protests had erupted over the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a coaching center basement, was submerged under knee-deep water. Connaught Place saw water infiltrating several showrooms and restaurants.
Delhi Traffic Police have issued advisories to avoid certain roads, and the traffic department is providing updates on X as waterlogged roads are gradually being cleared.
Advisory for Citizens
Due to the severe weather, Delhi has been listed as a "concern area" in the National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin. Citizens are advised to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel.
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