News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/1st August 2024
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted ongoing rainfall in Delhi, predicting that the maximum temperature will likely remain around 33 degrees Celsius. This weather pattern follows a day of heavy rain that resulted in one fatality and three injuries due to building collapses, with 27 such incidents reported across the city.
The Delhi Traffic Police has advised commuters to avoid the Mundka area due to severe waterlogging, leading to significant traffic disruptions. Late Wednesday, Delhi Education Minister Atishi announced the closure of all schools on Thursday due to adverse weather conditions.
According to IMD data, one person lost their life in the Subzi Mandi area, and three others were injured—two in Shastri Park and one in Defence Colony—due to building collapses caused by the heavy rains. The Delhi Police received 26 calls related to building collapses by midnight, with an additional report by 7 am on Thursday.
The heavy rainfall has also caused widespread traffic jams and waterlogging across the city. By midnight, the Delhi Police had logged 2,727 traffic-related calls and 119 calls concerning waterlogging. Between midnight and 7 am, there were 218 more traffic-related calls and eight additional waterlogging reports. Additionally, police received 50 calls about uprooted trees.
Severe waterlogging has been reported in several areas, including ITO, Rajghat, Mother Dairy, Ganesh Nagar, and Patparganj Road, causing further disruptions on Thursday morning. A tragic incident occurred in Ghazipur, where a 22-year-old woman and her three-year-old son drowned after slipping into a waterlogged drain near the under-construction roadside drain in Khoda Colony.
The IMD has predicted generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thundershowers throughout the day. Humidity levels were recorded at 97% at 8:30 am. Notable rainfall measurements include 147.5 mm in Salwan station, East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar area, from 8:30 am on Wednesday to 7:15 am on Thursday. Other significant rainfall figures include 113 mm in Najafgarh and over 100 mm in Lodhi Road, Delhi University, and Safdarjung observatories.
The Public Works Department (PWD) in Delhi reported receiving 90 calls related to waterlogging by 6 am on Thursday and 20 calls about uprooted trees. The heavy rains have significantly impacted traffic, particularly on Rohtak Road, with affected areas including Nangloi and Tikri Border, where waterlogging and potholes are causing significant delays.
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued advisories for commuters to avoid heavily affected areas like Mundka and Rajapuri Crossing due to road obstructions caused by uprooted trees and waterlogging. Despite these disruptions, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi remained in the “satisfactory” category with a reading of 63 at 10 am, according to the Central Pollution Control Board.
This weather forecast highlights the challenges faced by Delhi residents and the importance of staying informed and prepared during the monsoon season. The IMD and local authorities continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to follow advisories and take necessary precautions.
