IMD red alert for Delhi as heavy rain causes waterlogging and traffic snarls
New Delhi, August 7: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Delhi on Friday as heavy rain lashed the national capital, leading to widespread waterlogging and severe traffic congestion in several parts of the city. The alert, which covers the next few hours, forecasts moderate rain at many places and heavy rain at isolated spots, accompanied by moderate thunderstorms and lightning.
A red alert is the highest category of weather warning issued by the IMD, indicating that extremely heavy rain is expected and that authorities and residents should take precautionary measures to avoid disruption to daily life and potential damage to property.
According to the IMD, Safdarjung recorded 59.2 mm of rainfall until 8:30 a.m. on Friday, while Lodhi Road received 60.4 mm, Ridge 57 mm, Ayanagar 26.2 mm, and Palam 16.9 mm. The weather office has forecast light to moderate rainfall over Delhi until August 10.
The downpour caused significant traffic disruptions on major roads, including the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, ITO, Wazirabad Road, Patel Road, Rohtak Road, Shankar Road, the Kirti Nagar stretch, the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, Peeragarhi, and Shaheen Bagh. Commuters in East Delhi also faced delays, with congestion reported on GT Road, GTB Enclave, and Dilshad Garden.
Social media users reported waterlogging in several residential and commercial areas, including Dakshinpuri, Okhla, Sangam Vihar, Sainik Farms, and stretches of Mehrauli-Badarpur Road. The flooding made roads impassable for smaller vehicles and led to long queues of traffic in the morning peak hours.
Delhi has experienced intermittent spells of rain over the past week, contributing to waterlogging and a temporary drop in temperatures. However, the IMD's red alert underlines the intensity of the current spell, which is being closely monitored by the municipal authorities and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority.
Residents have been advised to stay indoors unless necessary, avoid low-lying areas, and use public transport where possible. Motorists are urged to follow traffic advisories and avoid submerged stretches, as waterlogging increases the risk of accidents and vehicles breaking down.
The monsoon season in Delhi typically brings heavy rainfall, and the city's drainage system often struggles to cope, leading to repeated flooding in vulnerable neighbourhoods. The authorities have cited ongoing infrastructure upgrades and desilting of drains as long-term measures to mitigate such incidents.
The IMD will continue to issue updates as the weather situation evolves. For the latest information, residents are advised to follow official channels and local weather bulletins.
