Delhi-NCR witnessed a wet start to the weekend as heavy rain on Saturday left several areas heavily waterlogged, bringing the national capital to a standstill on Raksha Bandhan. However, there was minimal impact on flight operations.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the entire of Delhi today. Moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been forecast throughout the day, with the possibility of intense spells over east and central Delhi.
The IGI Airport advised passengers to check with their respective airlines on flight delays. "As per the IMD forecast, Delhi is experiencing inclement weather conditions. However, operations are currently normal," an advisory by the IGI Airport in Delhi stated.
Indigo and SpiceJet issued an advisory on X, cautioning passengers against traffic congestion in the city.
"My flight landed at IGI Airport from Thiruvananthapuram at 11.45 pm, but it took me over 3 hours to reach my home in Mayur Vihar, which is just 25 km. There was an hour-long traffic jam at the Sarai Kale Khan intersection and atleast four stretches were waterlogged," a Delhi resident told media.
However, the downpour helped lower temperatures, bringing much-needed respite for residents from heat and humidity.
In several areas, the rain started in the night and continued with the same intensity till morning, leaving several underpasses flooded and streets waterlogged.
Several busy intersections, such as Connaught Place, Mathura Road, and Pragati Maidan witnessed severe waterlogging.
With incessant rain, the River Yamuna is inching closer to the danger mark of 205.33 metres, adding to concerns of possible flooding in low-lying areas.
While Pragati Maidan recorded over 100 mm of rainfall from 8.30 am on Friday to 8.30 am on Saturday, Lodi Road and Safdarjung registered 80.7 mm and 78.7 mm respectively.
With Raksha Bandhan falling on Saturday, coupled with rain forecast throughout the day, massive traffic jams were seen on key stretches. A glimpse of this was seen on Friday, with massive snarls seen on National Highway-44 and near the Haryana border.
Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of continued rain in neighbouring Himachal Pradesh on Saturday. An orange alert for moderate to heavy rain has been issued for three districts in the state.
Since June 20, over 200 people have died in Himachal due to rain-related incidents.
Source: India Today