New Delhi, June 18 – A sudden burst of pre-monsoon showers plunged the national capital into disarray on Tuesday, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic gridlocks, and even flight disruptions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. As the skies opened up, Delhi’s fragile urban infrastructure was once again laid bare.
Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., 12 flights were diverted due to reduced visibility and severe weather conditions. Passengers faced delays, while traffic around the airport slowed to a crawl, compounding commuter woes during the evening rush hour.
Capital Submerged: Roads Turn Into Rivers
Low-lying pockets of the city, including Zakhira underpass, Pul Prahladpur, Najafgarh Road, and Rohtak Road, were the worst hit. Commuters navigated knee-deep water and bumper-to-bumper traffic in multiple zones. The Public Works Department (PWD) reported over 50 distress calls, mostly from areas where drainage issues are a recurring nightmare.
Flood-prone areas like the Hanuman Mandir zone, Bhera underpass, and Punjabi Bagh experienced significant water buildup. However, in a rare reprieve, the infamous Minto Bridge—often the first to flood—remained dry this time.
IMD Sounds Alarm: Red Alerts and More Rain Coming
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued two red alerts within hours—one at 3:30 p.m. and another at 5:30 p.m.—cautioning of more heavy rain and winds gusting up to 80 km/h. Rainfall varied sharply across Delhi: Safdarjung recorded 10.4 mm, while Pusa and Palam saw 40.5 mm and 37.2 mm respectively.
Though the rain brought welcome relief from the heat, with temperatures dipping to 36.2°C (2.6°C More Showers Forecast Till June 23
More Showers Forecast Till June 23
The IMD has now issued a yellow alert for Wednesday, predicting continued rain and winds up to 60 km/h. Light to moderate rainfall is expected daily until June 23, with daytime temperatures likely to stay under 38°C—a silver lining for residents battling scorching summer heat.
In its public advisory, the IMD urged citizens to avoid waterlogged areas, follow traffic updates, and unplug appliances during heavy rain. The department also warned against standing near electrical wires or poles, underscoring safety amid unpredictable weather.below normal), it left Delhi’s daily life in disarray.
Political Reactions: AAP Slams BJP
AAP Attacks BJP in Political Reactions AAP leader Manish Sisodia attacked the ruling elite, giving the flood a political edge. He said in a harsh message on X, the previous Twitter, that “Every Delhiite is fed up.” The poor are being forced from their homes, schools are charging exorbitant fees, and now the city has been submerged under a single downpour. Why is Delhi’s four-engine BJP administration still so powerless? Delhi residents continue to raise the same question as the city deals with human mistakes and natural disasters: Why does a single, intense downpour still bring the capital to its knees?
