New Delhi | The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR and adjoining states including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh over the next few days. According to the IMD forecast, the National Capital Region is likely to experience torrential rains on August 2, 4, and 5 — days being dubbed as a “Monsoon Tsunami” by weather experts due to the intensity and impact of the expected downpour.
Torrential Rain Disrupts Daily Life in Delhi and Gurugram
The monsoon has already tightened its grip on Delhi-NCR since Thursday, with incessant rainfall causing widespread waterlogging and urban flooding in several low-lying areas. According to official data from IMD and various media reports, the rainfall has significantly brought down temperatures in the region, offering respite from the heat but also triggering severe traffic disruptions and logistical challenges.
In Delhi, waterlogging was reported in multiple areas including the infamous Minto Bridge underpass, where vehicle movement came to a near halt due to submerged roads. Commuters were seen wading through knee-deep water while traffic congestion escalated on major arterial roads.
Gurugram, often referred to as the Millennium City, witnessed particularly severe disruptions. Major thoroughfares such as National Highway 48 near Subhash Chowk, Hero Honda Chowk, Narsinghpur, Sohna Road, and parts of old Gurugram were inundated. Several vehicles broke down in the middle of the roads, causing massive traffic snarls during peak hours. Videos of stranded cars and knee-to-waist deep water went viral on social media, highlighting the city’s poor drainage infrastructure.
IMD Forecast: Red Alert for August 2, 4, and 5
The IMD has warned that the rainfall activity will intensify further on August 2, 4, and 5, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. The department has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in flood-prone zones and near construction sites. With the region already saturated due to previous spells, even moderate rainfall could lead to flash floods or exacerbate the existing waterlogging issues.
Authorities have been asked to remain on high alert. Disaster management teams and civic bodies have been instructed to keep de-watering pumps ready, clear blocked drains, and coordinate emergency responses effectively.
Risk of Urban Flooding in Low-Lying Areas
The ongoing and predicted rainfall raises serious concerns of flooding, particularly in low-lying and densely populated areas. The IMD has specifically cautioned that continuous downpour could lead to overflow of stormwater drains, pose risk to pedestrians and commuters, and result in property damage.
With the upcoming forecasted rain days, residents in Delhi-NCR and nearby regions are advised to stay updated with weather alerts and prepare for potential power outages and transport delays.
In conclusion, while the monsoon rains have provided much-needed relief from the summer heat, the sheer volume and frequency of precipitation have revealed the gaps in urban infrastructure across NCR. As the national capital region braces for more rainfall in the coming days, the focus now shifts to how effectively civic authorities respond to minimize disruption and ensure public safety.
