Delhi-NCR Rains: Over 100 Flights Affected, Roads Waterlogged After Heavy Downpour
Heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) early Sunday, disrupting air travel, submerging key roads, and bringing parts of the city to a standstill.
Over 100 flights were affected at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with more than 25 flights diverted due to the intense storm. Several underpasses and arterial roads, including the one leading to the airport, were heavily waterlogged, causing widespread traffic disruptions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds ranged from 60 to 100 km/h, as predicted in Saturday’s weather forecast. The storm hit during the early morning hours, bringing much-needed relief from the heat but also triggering chaos across the capital.
Delhi Airport authorities issued an advisory Sunday morning urging passengers to check with airlines for updated flight information, as operations continue to be affected.
“Due to last night’s bad weather, flight operations remain impacted. Passengers are requested to stay in touch with their respective airlines for updated flight schedules,” the advisory read.
Visuals from the airport road showed vehicles stranded in waterlogged underpasses. Commuters reported long delays and detours as several routes became impassable.
Delhi’s Safdarjung area recorded 81 mm of rainfall, Palam 68 mm, Pusa 71 mm, and Mayur Vihar 48 mm. Other localities reported between 5 and 8 cm of rain overnight.
Severe waterlogging was reported from Minto Road, where a car was seen almost fully submerged. News agency ANI shared footage showing emergency crews assisting stranded vehicles.
Residents also shared visuals of uprooted trees and damaged vehicles on social media, highlighting the impact of the storm in residential areas like South Extension, Dwarka, and Rohini.
The IMD had earlier issued a warning for Delhi and surrounding regions, predicting a duststorm followed by heavy rain and thunderstorms, which largely materialised. Gusty winds and rainfall are likely to continue intermittently through the weekend, officials said.
Delhi Traffic Police advised motorists to avoid low-lying underpasses and use alternate routes, especially around Connaught Place, Minto Road, and IGI Airport.
Delhi has witnessed increased instances of extreme weather in recent years, with unseasonal rain events and high wind speeds becoming more common. The IMD attributes this to changing climate patterns affecting the northern plains.
While Sunday’s rains brought welcome relief from rising temperatures, they also exposed the capital’s perennial issue with urban drainage, once again highlighting the need for better flood preparedness.
