Several Delhi areas were left flooded after several hours of rain choked the national capital on Friday afternoon. Visuals from places like Connaught Place, Akbar Road, Lajpat Nagar and areas around Indira Gandhi International Airport showed roads inundated, causing traffic snarls.
Delhi’s turbulent weather also impacted flight operations as at least nine flights were diverted between 3:30 pm to4:30 pm.
Also read: IMD red alert in Delhi for heavy rain; severe waterlogging at IGI Airport
More than 400 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Friday, according to information available on flight tracking website Flightradar24.com.
A look at some waterlogged areas in Delhi
Delhi’s iconic Connaught Place was inundated in rainwater as vehicles were seen wading through waterlogged roads.
Similar scenes were reported from the IGI airport and areas around it Delhi’s shopping hub Lajpat Nagar.
Passengers at IGI airport face inconvenience
Passengers at IGI airport faced inconvenience after heavy rain delayed flights and traffic snarls as roads were flooded. The IGI Airport is the country’s busiest airport and handles more than 1,300 flight movements daily.
“There is a massive amount of water. I have been standing here for about half an hour and am waiting for the water level to go down so that I can make my way towards the arrival gates,” Himanshi, a passenger, was quoted as saying.
Another passenger, Prabhash, was quoted as saying that he had witnessed waterlogging at the airport earlier as well.
“It happened once about two years ago, and now I am seeing it happen again this year. The rain is a little heavier this year. Since it is Janmashtami today, there are also puja celebrations,” he said.
On the situation at the airport, Prabhash said that work was underway and employees were working to clear the water.
“Work is going on at the airport and all the employees are working. Let us see what happens. The water will also be cleared; it should not take much time,” he said.
IMD forecast for Delhi
The IMD said that squall was reported at Palam airport in Delhi at around 10 am which lasted for 2 minutes.
The IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky over Delhi, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain. Some areas may also receive heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 31°C and 33°C, according to the weather department.
The IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for Delhi, advising people to remain cautious as rain may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and underpasses. Traffic disruptions and delays in public transport are also likely in some parts of the city.
The weather department has advised commuters to check traffic updates before leaving and avoid areas near power lines and electrical wires during thunderstorms.
