After a very long battle with heatwave conditions, respite finally arrived in the national capital in the form of monsoon last week. However, the rains came with such vengeance that Delhiites were left grappling with flooding and wondering if the wet conditions were worth it, after all.
The capital experienced its heaviest rainfall since 1936 for the month of June, with 228.1 mm recorded on the first day of the monsoon. This was also one-thirds of the total rainfall Delhi records throughout the monsoon season!
This intense downpour resulted in widespread waterlogging across the city, including the Pragati Maidan tunnel, which remained closed throughout Saturday for drainage operations. On the same day, the city saw a particularly tragic turn with six rain-related fatalities. Two young boys drowned in a flooded underpass in northwest Delhi, while a 60-year-old man died after his scooter got stuck in another waterlogged underpass. Additionally, heavy rain on Friday led to the collapse of a wall at a construction site in Vasant Vihar, killing three labourers.
These deaths bring the total monsoon rain-related death toll in Delhi to 11 since the monsoon arrived on Friday. The incidents have raised concerns about the city's preparedness for further downpours, especially with more downpours on the cards this week.
The India Meteorological Department's (IMD) prediction of heavy rainfall for Delhi on Monday failed to materialise, leaving the national capital with humid skies. But the weather department still forecasts widespread showers interspersed with heavy rains (64.5 mm-115.5 mm) in Delhi until Saturday (July 7).
A yellow watch has been issued over the national capital for today so as to urge locals to ‘be updated’ about the inclement weather.
There are up to moderate chances of flash floods in Delhi, particularly in low-lying areas, during the next 24 hours. While authorities have assured that they have taken strong measures to prevent waterlogging in the coming days, residents are advised against venturing out unless absolutely necessary.
