Delhi rain disrupts flights, triggers severe waterlogging and traffic Jams

Heavy rain and strong winds battered Delhi and neighbouring areas on Monday (August 24) with severe waterlogging and traffic jams bringing normal life to a halt.

Flight operations were also hit, with nearly 400 flights delayed, 26 cancelled and 15 diverted according to FlightRadar24.

Flights disrupted across Delhi

At least 14 flights had initially been diverted from Delhi Airport as heavy rain and adverse weather conditions disrupted flight operations in the national capital.

Major airlines, including Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet, issued travel advisories as intense showers lashed parts of Delhi-NCR, cautioning passengers about possible delays and disruptions to arrivals and departures.

"Adverse weather conditions may impact flight operations to and from Delhi today, stated Air India. IndiGo said, “Bad weather over Delhi has impacted flight schedules. We are closely monitoring the weather and doing our best to get you where you need to be, safely and smoothly."

Also Read: Heavy rain batters Delhi, waterlogging on major roads irks commuters

"Due to bad weather in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might be affected. Passengers are requested to check their flight status,” stated SpiceJet.

The airline advised passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, warning that worsening weather could affect both arrivals and departures.

IndiGo also asked travellers to factor in extra time for their journey as heavy rain was slowing road traffic across the city.

IMD issues rain alerts

Heavy showers were reported in parts of South Delhi and surrounding areas, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for heavy rain and a yellow alert for moderate rain in several districts. Thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 30-40 kmph were also forecast in parts of the city, reported India Today.

Also Read: Heavy rain leaves parts of Delhi flooded; IMD issues red alert

Between 8.30 am and 11.30 am, Chhatarpur recorded the highest rainfall in Delhi at 28 mm, followed by Lodi Road at 24.6 mm and Pitampura at 18.5 mm, according to the IMD.

The IMD has forecast further monsoon showers in Delhi-NCR and neighbouring areas. Heavy rainfall is also expected in parts of Uttarakhand, Odisha and Telangana.

Gurugram, Faridabad on alert

The weather department has issued an orange alert for Gurugram and Faridabad amid intensified monsoon activity. Both districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall, with residents advised to remain cautious as rain-related disruptions may occur.

Also Read: Delhi crosses August rain average in first 8 days

In Gurugram, nearly two feet of water accumulated on the service lane of Sohna Road near Islampur village. The waterlogging disrupted traffic and caused a jam stretching nearly 4 km, with vehicles moving slowly.

Gurugram authorities have reportedly advised corporate offices, government and private schools, and other institutions to allow employees and staff to work from home on August 25.

Traffic hit across NCR

The heavy downpour also led to traffic disruptions in several parts of the capital, with heavy congestion reported on MB Road near Sangam Vihar. Traffic was particularly slow between Vayusenabad and Sangam Vihar, with commuters reporting being stuck for nearly an hour. The congestion affected people travelling towards Delhi airport, offices and Saket Court.

Heavy rain was also reported across Noida. Ghaziabad witnessed severe waterlogging near the Industrial Area underpass on NH-9.