Heavy to very heavy rainfall lashed parts of Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida on Wednesday, leading to severe waterlogging and traffic snarls. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for several regions, warning of continued downpours and potential landslides in vulnerable areas, including Wayanad in Kerala and parts of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Mumbai and Pune Face Severe Waterlogging
In Mumbai, the city recorded 150 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas such as Andheri, Kurla, and Sion. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) reported that traffic moved at a snail's pace on the Western Express Highway and Eastern Express Highway. Local train services on the Central and Western lines faced delays of up to 30 minutes due to water on tracks. Schools and colleges in Mumbai and Pune remained closed as a precautionary measure. Pune received 120 mm of rain, leading to waterlogging in areas like Kothrud and Baner. The IMD has predicted more heavy showers for the next 48 hours.
Delhi-NCR Gridlock
In Delhi-NCR, waterlogging was reported at several key intersections, including ITO, Minto Bridge, and AIIMS. The city recorded 89 mm of rainfall in a span of six hours, causing traffic jams on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway and Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. The Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories, urging commuters to avoid waterlogged routes. Many offices in Gurgaon and Noida allowed employees to work from home. The IMD issued a yellow alert for Delhi, predicting moderate rain with occasional heavy spells.
Wayanad and Himachal on High Alert
The IMD has placed Wayanad in Kerala on high alert for landslides after a cloudburst triggered a landslide in the region, blocking roads and damaging property. The district administration has evacuated families from vulnerable settlements. In Himachal Pradesh, the state has been put on orange alert as heavy rains continue to lash the region. The state government has closed all educational institutions and advised people to stay indoors. Uttarakhand also received heavy rainfall, with the Char Dham Yatra temporarily suspended due to landslides on the route.
IMD Forecast and Government Response
The IMD has forecast more heavy rainfall for the next 72 hours across the west coast, central India, and the northern plains. An IMD official stated, "We expect very heavy rainfall in isolated pockets over Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Kerala. People in these areas should remain cautious and avoid venturing into flood-prone zones." The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh for rescue operations. The government has also released funds for relief efforts in the affected states.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy rains have disrupted daily life in the affected regions. In Mumbai, flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were affected, with several flights delayed or diverted. The BMC has deployed pumps to clear water from roads and urged residents to report waterlogging via its helpline. In Delhi, the power supply was disrupted in parts of the city due to water ingress in substations. The Delhi government has set up control rooms to monitor the situation. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys carefully and avoid waterlogged areas.
