Heavy Rains Cause Severe Waterlogging in New Delhi, Disrupting Daily Life
New Delhi—Heavy rains in the early hours of Friday plunged India’s capital into chaos, as torrential downpours led to severe waterlogging across the city, disrupting daily life and leaving commuters stranded.
The deluge began around 2:30 a.m. and continued for at least three hours, resulting in significant accumulation of water on roads and underpasses. Key areas such as the ITO Junction, Connaught Place, Dhaula Kuan, Moolchand Bridge, and the Safdarjung crossing witnessed knee-deep water, making navigation nearly impossible.
Vehicles Submerged
In several locations, vehicles were seen submerged under bridges and in low-lying areas. A car and a bus were notably submerged near the ITO area, a mere few kilometers from the Indian Parliament. The poor drainage system was widely blamed for the extensive waterlogging, as the city’s infrastructure struggled to cope with the sudden influx of rainwater.
Commuter Chaos
Residents faced significant challenges commuting to work, with many arriving late to their offices due to impassable roads and disrupted public transportation. “I left home early anticipating delays, but the roads were flooded, and traffic was at a standstill,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local office worker.
Meteorological Data
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung area received 148.5 millimeters of rainfall between 2:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Other areas experienced even higher volumes, with Lodhi Road recording 192.8 millimeters, Ridge 150.4 millimeters, Palam 106.6 millimeters, and Ayanagar 66.3 millimeters of rainfall.
Infrastructure Concerns
The heavy rainfall has raised concerns about New Delhi’s drainage infrastructure and its ability to handle extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent. Urban planners and experts are calling for immediate upgrades to the city’s drainage systems to prevent future incidents.
Looking Ahead
Authorities are working to clear the waterlogged areas and restore normalcy. The IMD has forecasted that heavy rains may continue over the next few days, urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
