Record rain in Delhi today led to flooding and traffic jams during the morning rush hour in many parts of the national capital and neighbouring Gurgaon and Noida. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi recorded 112.1 mm rainfall in 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Wednesday, the highest in 12 years and a 19-year record for September, which issued an orange alert.
The heavy burst of rain submerged low-lying areas in knee-deep water and affected traffic movement in parts of the city. Videos shared online show cars struggling to cross the flooded Dwarka underpass like motorboats. Cars crawled on major roads in the heart of Delhi as rainwater slowed down traffic and left large parts of the city submerged, cutting off many routes. The heavy burst of rain submerged several areas, including the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri, in knee-deep water and affected traffic movement in parts of the city. On Tuesday, Delhi gauged 84 mm rainfall in just six hours — between 8:30 am and 2:30 pm — that flooded roads and led to massive traffic snarls on key stretches such as ITO, Ring Road near IP Estate flyover, Dhaula Kuan, and Rohtak road. Traffic disruption and waterlogging in low-lying areas were witnessed due to heavy rainfall. People were advised to check for traffic congestion before stepping out. The rain hit Delhi on a day when schools in the city reopened after 17 months.
Authorities said that they were implementing strict Covid measures for students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff. The weather department has predicted more rain till Saturday. Authorities have been issuing regular updates, and warning commuters about routes they should avoid due to waterlogging and traffic jams.
