New Delhi, 29 June 2024- Delhi, the capital of India, has been severely impacted by unprecedented heavy rains. After enduring months of intense heat and heatwaves, the city and its surrounding areas have been experiencing torrential downpours since Thursday night.

According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi received an astonishing 288 mm of rainfall from 8:30 am on Thursday to 8:30 am on Friday. This marks the highest rainfall recorded in a single day in the city since 1936, surpassing the previous record of 235.5 mm set in June of that year.

Initially, it was believed that pre-monsoon rains were responsible for the deluge. However, by Friday morning, the Meteorological Department confirmed that the monsoon had officially arrived in large parts of northwest India, including Delhi.

The heavy rains have led to widespread flooding across the city. Key areas such as Mathura Road, Tin Murthy Marg, Mulchand, Minto Road, Anand Vihar, Mehrauli, Badarpur Road, Mandawali, Bhikhaji Kama Place, Madhu Vihar, Pragati Maidan, Munirka, Dhaula Kuan, Moti Bagh, ITO, and many roads in Noida have been submerged.

A dramatic incident occurred at the Kodia Bridge underpass in Kaijjarganj, where a passenger-laden bus became stuck in 8 feet of water. Rescue teams and police were able to evacuate the passengers safely.

In South East Delhi's Chittaranjan Park, numerous houses have been inundated, and the flooding has severely disrupted traffic. Many major roads, including the Delhi-Meerut Highway, Naraina-Moti Bagh Road, Dhaula Kuan flyover, Bir Banda Bairagi Marg, Azad Market Underpass, Tilak Setu, Arvind Marg, Anubrata Marg, ITO, and AIIMS, are waterlogged, causing massive traffic jams and diversions.

The situation at Delhi's Terminal 1 airport has been particularly dire. Part of the roof collapsed due to the heavy rainfall on Friday morning, resulting in significant damage to several cars parked nearby. All operations and services at the terminal have been suspended for safety reasons. Tragically, one person died in the incident, and six others were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Earlier this month, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi had assured residents that the city was prepared for the monsoon season. However, the first heavy rains have dramatically revealed the city's vulnerability, leading to widespread flooding, traffic chaos, and infrastructure damage.

As Delhi grapples with the aftermath of this record-breaking rainfall, the authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are underway to restore normalcy as soon as possible.