Delhi experienced record-breaking rainfall, causing widespread disruption, traffic chaos, and tragically, four deaths. The downpour, while offering heat relief, exposed infrastructure weaknesses and prompted government response and weather warnings.


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Delhi Weather Today: Heavy Rains Bring Relief and Disruption

Delhi woke up to a deluge this morning, with heavy rainfall and strong winds bringing much-needed relief from the recent heatwave. However, the downpour also caused significant traffic chaos and disruption across the city. This article covers the impact of the unprecedented rainfall, including the record-breaking totals, traffic snarls, flight delays, and sadly, a tragic incident.

Record Rainfall and its Impact

The Safdarjung Observatory recorded an astonishing 77mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours—the highest May rainfall in Delhi's history, surpassing the previous record of 60mm set in 1976. This intense rainfall, coupled with winds gusting up to 80 km/h, led to widespread waterlogging, uprooted trees, and numerous traffic jams. Mukesh, a commuter stuck in traffic near DDU Marg since 5 am, described the rain as a welcome respite from the heat but highlighted the resulting delays and disruption caused by a traffic accident.

Safety Concerns and Casualties

Tragically, four people—a woman and her three children—died after a neem tree fell on their makeshift home near Jaffarpur Kalan. This underscores the dangers of severe weather and the importance of heeding weather warnings. The IMD issued a red alert, urging citizens to stay indoors and avoid taking shelter under trees.

Government Response and Ongoing Situation

Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, visited affected areas like Majnu Ka Tila to assess the waterlogging situation and directed officials to take immediate action. The PWD Minister, Parvesh Verma, also inspected waterlogged areas such as Minto Bridge. The Aam Aadmi Party criticized the BJP-led government's handling of the situation, citing inadequate infrastructure and drainage systems. Despite the initial chaos, airport operations have largely returned to normal, although some delays persist.

IMD Forecast and Advice

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Delhi, predicting moderate rain until May 8, with thunderstorms expected. Their advisory strongly advises against taking shelter under trees, near water bodies, and urges citizens to stay informed about weather updates and remain indoors when possible. The IMD's prediction of scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across the region, reinforces the need for continued caution.

Conclusion:

Delhi's sudden downpour highlights both the relief from extreme heat and the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to severe weather events. The tragic loss of life underscores the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines during extreme weather conditions. Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and follow official advisories for your safety.

FAQ

The record rainfall in Delhi was due to an unusually intense monsoon season. Meteorological factors contributed to the heavy downpour, exceeding previous rainfall records for the city. The exact reasons are still being analyzed by weather experts.

Tragically, four deaths have been reported as a direct result of the severe flooding and its associated incidents. The exact causes of each death are under investigation, but the intense rainfall played a crucial role.

The heavy rainfall exposed significant weaknesses in Delhi's infrastructure. Waterlogging, road damage, and power outages were widespread, highlighting the urgent need for improvements to the city's drainage and resilience systems. The government has acknowledged these issues.

The Delhi government responded to the flooding by deploying rescue teams, clearing waterlogged areas, and issuing weather warnings to citizens. They've also initiated assessments to evaluate infrastructure damage and plan for future mitigation efforts.

While devastating in many ways, the record rainfall did provide some relief from the recent heatwave that had plagued Delhi. The intense downpour brought temperatures down significantly, offering some respite from the scorching conditions.

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