Delhi woke up to a deluge on Friday morning, bringing life in the national capital and adjoining areas to a standstill. The heavy downpour, recording 150 mm of rainfall in just three hours, resulted in widespread waterlogging, traffic chaos, and unfortunate incidents across the city.
Roof Collapse at Delhi Airport
Amidst the relentless rain, tragedy struck at Delhi’s Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, where a portion of the roof collapsed, claiming one life and leaving four injured. This incident occurred as the city received one of its highest rainfalls this year, with Safdarjung Observatory recording 228 mm in 24 hours.
Impact on Daily Life
The torrential rain inundated several low-lying areas, leading to water entering houses in places like Chittaranjan Park. Roads crucial for the daily commute, including Mathura Road, Teen Murti Marg, and Anand Vihar, were submerged, forcing authorities to divert traffic and advise commuters to seek alternate routes.
Transport Disruptions
Delhi’s lifeline, the Delhi Metro, also faced disruptions as entry/exit gates were shut at Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25 station, and shuttle services to Terminal 1 from Delhi Aerocity Metro station were suspended. Commuters faced additional challenges as buses and vehicles stalled on flooded roads and underpasses during the morning rush.
Government and Opposition Responses
As the situation unfolded, political figures engaged in a war of words. BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi criticized the Delhi government’s alleged lack of preparedness, symbolically rowing a boat to highlight the issue of waterlogging. In response, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi defended the city’s preparations, noting improvements from previous years and ongoing efforts to mitigate flooding.
Weather Outlook and Future Preparations
Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall as Delhi braces for the monsoon’s onset. Meteorologists expect favorable conditions for the southwest monsoon’s advancement in the coming days, potentially prolonging the city’s weather woes.
As Delhi-NCR grapples with the aftermath of this severe weather event, the focus remains on relief efforts, infrastructure resilience, and ensuring public safety amidst challenging weather conditions. The incident at Delhi Airport serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities exposed by extreme weather, prompting calls for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures. This comprehensive update encapsulates the impact, response, and ongoing challenges faced by Delhi and its residents in the wake of this significant rain event.