Delhi-NCR Wakes Up to Waterlogged Streets, Flight Delays as Heavy Rain Lashes Capital on Raksha Bandhan

Heavy overnight rain lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday, leading to severe waterlogging in several areas and bringing the city to a virtual standstill on the morning of Raksha Bandhan. The relentless downpour also hit air travel, with data from Flightradar showing approximately 90 flight delays and four cancellations at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout the day, with particularly intense spells expected over east and central Delhi.

While the IGI Airport stated that its operations were “currently normal,” it advised passengers to check with their airlines for updated flight information due to the inclement weather. The rain, which began overnight and continued with unabated intensity into the morning, flooded several key underpasses and arterial roads, leading to massive traffic disruptions.

Commuters faced a nightmare on the roads. “My flight landed at IGI Airport from Thiruvananthapuram at 11:45 p.m., but it took me over 3 hours to reach my home in Mayur Vihar, which is just 25 km away,” a resident told India Today, citing an hour-long traffic jam at Sarai Kale Khan and multiple waterlogged stretches.

With the festival of Raksha Bandhan falling on Saturday, traffic is expected to remain chaotic throughout the day. A preview of the travel misery was seen on Friday with significant snarls reported on National Highway-44 and near the Haryana border.

While the rain provided some respite from the recent heat and humidity, the weather woes extend beyond the capital. The IMD has also issued an orange alert for neighboring Himachal Pradesh, warning of moderate to heavy rain in three districts. The state has already been devastated by monsoon-related incidents, with over 200 deaths reported since June 20.