New Delhi, July 28: Heavy monsoon showers lashed the national capital on Tuesday, leading to widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruption to normal life across several parts of the city, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert warning of intense rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning.
The weather office forecast continued cloudy conditions with spells of heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds, urging residents to remain cautious as adverse weather was expected to persist for the next few hours.Several major roads and low-lying areas were inundated after persistent rainfall during the morning.
Waterlogging was reported from Connaught Place, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, Mathura Road near ITO, Bharat Mandapam Road, Kalindi Kunj and parts of Lutyens’ Delhi, affecting vehicular movement and pedestrian traffic.Traffic slowed considerably on a number of key routes as vehicles navigated flooded stretches under reduced visibility.
Congestion was reported on NH-8 near Shankar Vihar, NH-48 near AIIMS, the Delhi Cantt-Naraina-Mayapuri corridor, Vikas Marg, Old Rohtak Road, Peeragarhi, the Delhi-Noida Road and several other arterial roads.Flooding was also reported from Sadar Bazar, where rainwater accumulated on roads, disrupting movement of residents, commuters and traders. Videos shared on social media showed people wading through waterlogged streets as civic agencies monitored the situation.
Delhi Public Works Department officials said efforts were underway to ensure smooth traffic movement at vulnerable locations, while field teams remained deployed to address waterlogging complaints.According to rainfall data recorded between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Pusa received the highest rainfall at 80 mm, followed by Janakpuri with 72 mm.
Lodi Road, Chhatarpur, Safdarjung, Ayanagar and several other weather stations also recorded substantial rainfall during the period.The rainfall brought a drop in temperatures across much of the city, with minimum temperatures remaining below the seasonal average at most observation centres.
Authorities advised commuters to exercise caution, avoid waterlogged stretches where possible and follow official weather advisories as heavy rain and thunderstorms were expected to continue through the day.
