Torrential overnight rainfall brought normal life to a standstill across Delhi on Thursday, inundating roads, disrupting traffic, uprooting trees and causing a fatal building collapse. With more rain forecast through the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed the national capital under a Red Alert, warning of intense showers, thunderstorms and lightning.
Three Dead After Building Collapse
The heaviest impact was reported from Delhi’s Rohini area, where a four-storey building under construction collapsed during the downpour. The incident claimed three lives, while authorities launched rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Waterlogging Disrupts Daily Life
Heavy rain submerged roads across several parts of the city, with low-lying areas witnessing severe waterlogging. Vehicles moved slowly through flooded streets as many commuters were forced to wade through waterlogged roads to reach their destinations.
Areas including Sadar Bazar, Greater Kailash, Badarpur, Dwarka, Munirka, Vikas Marg, Swarup Nagar, East Delhi and the New Delhi Railway Station vicinity were among those affected by flooding.
Major Roads Witness Massive Traffic Jams
The morning rush hour was severely affected as water accumulation and poor visibility led to long traffic snarls across Delhi. Congestion was reported on Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, the Delhi-Noida Expressway and National Highway-48 near Dhaula Kuan, Mahipalpur and Rajokri.
Emergency response teams were deployed to clear waterlogged stretches and restore smooth traffic movement.
Trees Uprooted, Civic Teams Deployed
Strong winds accompanying the rain uprooted trees in several localities, briefly blocking roads and affecting vehicular movement. Civic agencies received numerous complaints related to fallen trees, waterlogging and localised power disruptions as restoration work continued throughout the day.
Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Delhi
According to the IMD, multiple weather stations recorded significant rainfall over the past 24 hours. Safdarjung recorded over 70 mm of rain, while Lodhi Road, Ridge, Palam and Ayanagar also received substantial precipitation.
Meteorologists attributed the widespread rainfall to the northward movement of the monsoon trough, creating favourable conditions for persistent showers across Delhi and adjoining regions.
Red Alert Remains in Effect
The IMD has warned that heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning may continue through the day and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel unless essential. Authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
The rain also affected neighbouring Gurugram, where several roads were flooded, leading to traffic congestion and stranded vehicles in multiple locations.
Despite the intense weather, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘Satisfactory’ category on Thursday morning, according to official monitoring data.
Why has the IMD issued a Red Alert for Delhi?
The IMD has issued a Red Alert due to forecasts of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and the possibility of significant disruption across the national capital.
What caused the flooding in Delhi?
Persistent overnight rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to widespread waterlogging across several parts of the city.
Where did the building collapse occur?
The building collapse occurred in Delhi’s Rohini area during the heavy rainfall.
Which parts of Delhi are affected by waterlogging?
Several areas, including Greater Kailash, Sadar Bazar, Dwarka, Munirka, Badarpur, East Delhi and the New Delhi Railway Station area, reported flooding.
Is more rain expected in Delhi?
Yes. The IMD has forecast additional rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning, with residents advised to monitor official weather updates.
