Delhi-NCR Faces Severe Traffic and Waterlogging After Heavy Rain
Delhi-NCR experienced significant disruptions in traffic and severe waterlogging following a heavy downpour on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for light to moderate rainfall in the city for the next two days.
Impact of Heavy Rain
On Wednesday, Delhi witnessed a substantial amount of rainfall, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic jams across the region. Social media was abuzz with videos showing vehicles struggling through water-logged streets, moving at a crawl.
Traffic Woes in Delhi
Motorists traveling through Sarita Vihar and Mathura Road in South Delhi faced immense traffic congestion. Vehicles in these areas were barely moving due to water accumulation on the roads. Similar conditions were reported in Noida, a neighboring city, where evening commuters faced significant delays at the Mahamaya Flyover and in sectors 18, 14, 15, and 16.
Waterlogging in Noida
Noida also experienced severe waterlogging. Reports indicate that several key areas, including Sector 37, Sector 19, DND Overleaf, Sector 34, Noida City Center, and near Center Stage Mall, were severely affected. These incidents have highlighted the inadequacy of the Noida Authority’s recent drain cleaning efforts, which were supposed to alleviate waterlogging problems.
Weather Forecast and Alerts
According to the IMD, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C on Tuesday, slightly above the seasonal average. The weather office has maintained a ‘yellow’ alert for the city, predicting light to moderate rainfall through Thursday.
The heavy rains have exposed the vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure, causing disruptions and revealing the ongoing challenges faced by Delhi-NCR residents in managing such weather conditions. The situation underscores the need for improved drainage and traffic management to mitigate the impact of future rainfalls.