Delhi rain: Traffic, waterlogging across NCR; over 300 flights delayed

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Delhi government over the issue of waterlogging and alleged water crisis in the Kalkaji constituency.

In a post on X, Atishi shared the letter written to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and criticised the government's handling and preparedness for monsoons, stating that the "mismanagement" by the "4-engine BJP government" has caused "waterlogging" in the capital and "water crisis" in the Kalkaji area.

Early on Saturday morning, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for heavy rain with lightning and thunderstorms for parts of north, west, south, southeast, and Central Delhi, but later downgraded to a yellow alert, advising people to be aware.

More than 300 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Saturday due to adverse weather conditions.

An official said there were no flight diversions at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in the national capital, which witnessed heavy rains.

Overnight downpours lashed Delhi, leading to severe waterlogging in several parts of the national capital by Saturday morning. One of the worst-affected areas was the Ghazipur border, where visuals showed vehicles wading through knee-deep water and pedestrians struggling to navigate submerged roads.

In the 24 hours till 8.30 am on Saturday, Delhi's primary weather station at Safdarjung recorded 78.7 mm of rainfall, Pragati Maidan 100 mm, Lodhi Road 80 mm, Pusa 69 mm, and Palam 31.8 mm, according to data shared by the weather department.

Delhi rain live updates: A wall collapse in Hari Nagar, triggered by heavy overnight rain, trapped eight people living in adjacent jhuggies near an old temple. The rescued individuals were rushed to a hospital, with 3-4 reported to be in critical condition. Authorities have evacuated the jhuggies to prevent further incidents.

Delhi rain live updates: Several areas in Old Delhi, including the Old Delhi Railway Station and Ajmeri Gate reported waterlogging after overnight rain.

Delhi rain live updates: Air India also issued an advisory saying that the flight operations from Delhi airport might be impacted due to the heavy rain. The airline urged passengers to check flight status before their travel.

Delhi rain live updates: Indigo on Saturday advised passenger to plan their airport trip well in advance and prefer alternate routes amid heavy rain in the capital. “Due to today’s downpour, several roads across Delhi are currently blocked or experiencing slow movement. Please allow extra time, take an alternate route if possible, and check your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport,” Indigo said in a statement on X.

Delhi rain live updates: Delhi Fire Services has said they have received a call regarding a portion of a building collapsed at Hari Nagar, Jaitpur in South East Delhi. Two fire engines have been sent to the spot.

Delhi rain live updates: Delhi Airport has urged passengers to arrive well in advance and consider alternative transport options, such as the Delhi Metro, amid waterlogging in the capital.

“As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, Delhi is currently experiencing inclement weather, including heavy rainfall resulting in waterlogging near the airport. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and consider alternative modes of transport, such as the Delhi Metro, to avoid delays and ensure timely arrival at the airport,” the advisory of the Delhi Airport said.

Delhi rain live updates: Several areas of the capital, including ITO, Connaught Place and Mathura road were waterlogged after overnight rain. The visuals from ANI showed waterlogging outside Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre.

Delhi Rain Live Updates: The traffic police said that the traffic has been affected at Zakhira Railway Underpass due to waterlogging. It also said that the traffic from Shastri Nagar/KD Chowk is being diverted towards Chaudhary Nahar Singh Marg.

Delhi Rain Live Updates: The Delhi Traffic Police said that the traffic may be affected on Lodhi Road in the carriageway from Madarsa towards Lodhi Hotel due to bending of a tree towards the road near Lodhi Garden. In a later post, the police said that the tree has been removed.

Delhi Rain Live Updates: The Delhi Traffic Police on Saturday said the traffic from Ashok Park Main Metro Station is being diverted towards Punjabi Bagh due to waterlogging at New Rohtak road. “Due to water logging at Gali No. 10, Anand Parbat, New Rohtak road, Traffic is being diverted towards Sarai Rohilla. Further, traffic is also being diverted from Ashok Park Main Metro Station towards Punjabi Bagh,” the advisory read.

Delhi Rain Live Updates: The IMD has issued a red alert for most parts of Delhi-NCR. The downpour began late night around 11 pm on Friday and has continued till Saturday morning.