A 7-year-old boy drowned in a waterlogged area in Delhi on Thursday as heavy rains lashed the national capital, causing widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted more showers over the next two days, with the city recording 153 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending Thursday morning — the highest July rainfall in a decade.
Incident Details
The victim, identified as Rohan Kumar, slipped into a water-filled drain in the Shakarpur area around 10 a.m. while playing near his home. Local residents rescued him and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the circumstances.
“The drain was overflowing due to the incessant rain, and the child lost his footing. We tried our best, but it was too late,” said a neighbor who helped in the rescue. Delhi Police confirmed the incident and urged parents to keep children away from waterlogged areas.
Rainfall and Waterlogging
The IMD’s Safdarjung observatory recorded 153 mm of rain, the highest single-day July rainfall in Delhi since 2014. The downpour, which began late Wednesday night, led to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Minto Bridge, ITO, and Kashmere Gate. Several roads were submerged, causing long traffic jams during the morning rush hour.
According to the IMD, the active monsoon trough over northwest India is responsible for the heavy rainfall. “Delhi and adjoining areas are likely to receive moderate to heavy showers for the next 48 hours,” said an IMD official. The weather office has issued a yellow alert, warning of possible flooding and traffic disruptions.
Impact on Daily Life
The rains disrupted normal life, with schools and offices reporting delays. The Delhi Metro reported minor delays on the Blue Line due to waterlogging near some stations. The municipal corporation deployed pumps to clear water from affected areas, but progress was slow.
“I was stuck in traffic for over two hours near Minto Bridge. It was a nightmare,” said commuter Priya Sharma. The Delhi Traffic Police advised people to avoid non-essential travel and use alternative routes.
Forecast and Precautions
The IMD has predicted more rain on Friday and Saturday, with the intensity likely to decrease from Sunday. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius. Authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and avoid waterlogged areas. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority has been put on alert to handle any emergencies.
“We are monitoring the situation closely. People should not venture into flooded streets, especially children,” said a senior official from the Delhi government’s revenue department.
