Watch: Severe waterlogging disrupts commute in Delhi after heavy rains
What's the story
Delhi was hit by a significant downpour in the early hours of Tuesday, leading to widespread disruptions in daily activities and transportation. The heavy rainfall resulted in waterlogging on major roads such as Minto Bridge, IP Marg, Mundka, Mangi Bridge, Chatta Rail Chowk, Nigam Bodh Ghat, Railway Under Bridge (RUB), Ram Bagh Road and Azad Market. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid these flooded areas and plan their journeys accordingly.
Impact
New Delhi Railway Station submerged
The New Delhi Railway Station was also severely affected by the waterlogging, forcing commuters to navigate through knee-deep waters. A video shared by news agency ANI showed an autorickshaw completely submerged in the flooded streets of Minto Road. The driver, Munil Mehto, told ANI that his vehicle had suddenly stopped and he had to abandon it to save his life.
Twitter Post
Read: Delhi Traffic Police's advisory
Traffic Advisory
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) August 20, 2024
Due to water logging on Railway Under Bridge, Ram Bagh Road, Azad Market, traffic diversions are effective. Kindly follow the advisory.#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/ljmEMPlhYO
Weather alert
IMD issues 'yellow' alert for Delhi-NCR region
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded moderate to intense rainfall over Central and East Delhi. At 8 am, the weather agency downgraded its "orange" alert to a "yellow" one for the entire Delhi-NCR region. The IMD has also issued warnings for heavy rain in several states including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
Twitter Post
Watch: Autorickshaw submerged at Minto Road
#WATCH | An autorickshaw submerged as incessant rainfall causes severe waterlogging in parts of Delhi.
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
(Visuals from Minto Road) pic.twitter.com/jq2J3GkOHr
Record rainfall
Delhi witnesses longest spell of continuous rains in 13 years
According to a report by Mint, the National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing its longest spell of continuous rains in 13 years. The downpours have persisted for 14 days, as per the IMD. This surpasses the previous record of 11 days set in September 2021, August 2012, and August 2013. Other notable streaks include nine-day spells in July 2016, August 2020, and September 2018 as well as eight-day spells in July 2013 and July 2015.
Twitter Post
Traffic affected on New Rohtak Road
Traffic Alert
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) August 20, 2024
Traffic is affected on New Rohtak Road on both carriageway due to water logging at Anand Parvat. Kindly plan your journey accordingly. pic.twitter.com/pZTbMy7RiQ
Twitter Post
Watch: Visuals of waterlogging
#WATCH | Delhi: Waterlogging witnessed in parts of the national capital following heavy rainfall in the area.
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2024
(Visuals from ITO) pic.twitter.com/qgO0B5iZjX