Delhi-NCR: On Friday, Delhi-NCR faced a severe disruption in daily life due to heavy rainfall, resulting in extensive waterlogging, traffic chaos, and the temporary closure of flight operations at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 1. The deluge, which led to part of the roof collapsing at the terminal, tragically resulted in one fatality.
Torrential Downpour
In the early hours of Friday, Delhi witnessed an intense downpour, with 150 mm of rainfall recorded between 2:30 am and 5:30 am. This deluge marks one of the heaviest rainfall events in the city this year. Over a 24-hour period, the Safdarjung observatory noted a total of 228 mm of rain, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions.
Widespread Waterlogging
The heavy rain led to extensive waterlogging across Delhi, inundating numerous areas and causing significant disruptions. Water seeped into homes in several low-lying regions, damaging household items and furniture. The situation was particularly dire in areas like Chittaranjan Park in South East Delhi, where residents faced substantial property damage.
Traffic Chaos
The deluge severely affected traffic flow throughout the city. Many commuters found themselves stranded on submerged roads, unable to reach their destinations. Significant waterlogging was reported in key areas such as Teen Murti Marg, Moolchand, Minto Road, Anand Vihar, and Mehrauli Badarpur Road. The traffic police implemented diversions across major thoroughfares, including the Delhi Meerut Highway and Naraina-Moti Bagh road near Dhaula Kuan Flyover, advising commuters to seek alternative routes.
Airport Disruptions
The impact of the heavy rains extended to air travel, with all flight departures from Terminal 1 being halted. The check-in counters remained closed, leading to the cancellation of sixteen departure flights and twelve arrival flights since midnight. The temporary closure of Terminal 1, due to a roof collapse, compounded the disruption, affecting thousands of travelers.
Metro Services Affected
The heavy rains also disrupted Delhi Metro services. Entry and exit gates at the Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 Metro station were closed, and the shuttle service from Delhi Aerocity Metro station to Terminal 1-IGI Airport was suspended. This added to the transportation woes of the city's residents and visitors, making commuting even more challenging.
Emergency Response
Authorities and emergency services were on high alert, working tirelessly to manage the situation. Efforts were made to clear waterlogged areas and restore normalcy. However, the sheer volume of rainfall posed significant challenges. The city’s infrastructure struggled to cope with the deluge, underscoring the need for improved drainage systems and flood management strategies.
Public Advisory
In light of the severe weather conditions, authorities advised residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. People were urged to monitor weather updates and follow safety guidelines issued by the government. Commuters were asked to plan their journeys carefully and consider alternative routes to avoid waterlogged areas.
Conclusion
Friday's heavy rainfall in Delhi-NCR highlighted the city's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The significant disruptions to daily life, traffic, and flight operations underscored the urgent need for robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness. As the city recovers from this deluge, authorities and residents alike are reminded of the importance of resilience and readiness in the face of nature’s unpredictability.