Early morning showers on Monday led to significant waterlogging and traffic jams in Delhi and its surrounding areas, including Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad. Bengaluru in Karnataka also faced similar issues due to heavy rains. These weather conditions not only caused inconvenience to commuters but also raised concerns about the city's infrastructure and preparedness for monsoon rains.
Tragic Loss of Life Due to Rain-Related Incidents
The heavy rains have resulted in tragic loss of life across several states. At least 28 people were reported dead on Sunday due to rain-related incidents. These incidents included landslides, house collapses, and a dam breach that inundated several villages in Haryana. The affected states include Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, with Rajasthan being the worst hit, reporting 14 deaths. In Punjab, nine people lost their lives due to flash floods and other rain-related incidents.
Impact on Delhi and NCR: Heavy Rainfall Leads to Chaos
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Waterlogging and Traffic Disruptions
Delhi and its adjoining regions, including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, experienced heavy rainfall throughout the day on Sunday, resulting in severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an advisory urging residents to stay indoors, secure their windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel. In Gurugram, several areas, including police lines, Bus Stand Road, Sheetla Mata Road, and numerous sectors, were flooded, with the city recording 70 mm of rainfall.
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Weather Alerts and Traffic Advisory in Delhi
Delhi was placed under an 'orange' alert on Sunday, indicating potentially severe weather and disruption to transportation. The heavy rains caused waterlogging in 47 locations across the city, with Safdarjung recording 26.3 mm of rain, Lodi Road 30.4 mm, and Mayur Vihar 55.5 mm. A PWD official reported receiving 40 calls related to waterlogging and three calls about fallen trees. The ongoing rainfall, combined with the Monday morning traffic, exacerbated the situation, leading to congestion in various parts of the city.
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Ashoka Road Closure and Weather Update
In a related development, one carriageway of Ashoka Road in Delhi will remain closed for traffic until September 10 due to sewer repair work by the NDMC. Meanwhile, the minimum temperature in Delhi was recorded at 24.8 degrees Celsius, with a maximum expected to reach 32 degrees Celsius. The air quality index (AQI) remained in the "satisfactory" category, providing some respite from pollution.
Rajasthan: The Epicenter of Monsoon Havoc
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Heavy Rainfall and Fatalities
Rajasthan emerged as the most severely affected state, with 16 deaths reported over the weekend due to heavy downpours. The state witnessed "exceptionally heavy rainfall," with Karauli district recording a staggering 38 cm of rain. The torrential rains created a flood-like situation in several areas, including Jaipur, where waterlogging was widespread. Five people were swept away at the Kanota Dam in Jaipur, prompting a rescue operation.
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Continued Rainfall and Weather Forecast
The heavy rains continued into Monday, with many low-lying areas flooded, effectively trapping residents in their homes. Jaipur recorded 118 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, leading to the closure of schools in several districts. The Meteorological Department has forecasted active monsoon conditions in eastern Rajasthan, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in parts of Jaipur, Bharatpur, Ajmer, and Kota divisions over the next few days.
Himachal Pradesh: Landslides and Flash Floods Wreak Havoc
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Road Closures and Fatalities
Himachal Pradesh has been severely impacted by continuous heavy rains since Sunday, leading to landslides and flash floods that have resulted in the closure of 338 roads, including four national highways. The heavy rains have caused flash floods in several areas, with Una district being particularly affected. Two young girls and an 18-year-old woman lost their lives in a flash flood in Haroli Tehsil, while another person remains missing.
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Rescue Operations and Weather Warnings
Rescue operations are ongoing in Kullu, Mandi, and Shimla districts, where around 30 people have been missing since the flash floods on July 31. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered. The authorities have issued advisories, urging locals and travelers to exercise extreme caution, especially near rapidly rising water levels.
Karnataka: Flood Alert Issued in Koppal
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Dam Breach and Water Release
In Karnataka, a flood alert has been issued in the downstream areas of the Pampa Sagar Dam on the Tungabhadra River in Koppal. The alert was triggered after the chain of the 19th crust gate broke, leading to the release of a significant amount of water. The water resource department is currently working to reduce the reservoir's capacity to facilitate urgent repairs.
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Bengaluru Faces Waterlogging and Traffic Jams
Bengaluru also faced the brunt of heavy rains, with waterlogging reported in areas like BTM Layout and Silk Board. The downpour that began around 2:30 AM on Monday continued for several hours, resulting in localized flooding and severe traffic jams, particularly during peak hours. Commuters in northern and eastern parts of the city faced significant delays, with key roads like Outer Ring Road and parts of Hosur Road being severely affected.
Punjab and Haryana: Flooding and Waterlogging
- Inundated Villages and Stranded Commuters
Parts of Punjab and Haryana experienced heavy rains over the weekend, leading to flooding in several areas. In Haryana's Yamunanagar district, villages were inundated as the Som River's water level rose. Similarly, in Punjab, heavy rains caused waterlogging in cities like Chandigarh, Mohali, Ludhiana, and Patiala, leaving commuters stranded.
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Tragic Incident in Hoshiarpur
In Punjab's Hoshiarpur, a tragic incident occurred when a vehicle carrying nine people, including eight members of a family, was swept away by the flooded Jaijon Choe, a seasonal rivulet. Despite rescue efforts, only the bodies of nine victims, including five females, have been recovered so far. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations.
The heavy rains across north and south India have led to significant disruptions, from traffic jams in urban areas to tragic loss of life due to flash floods and landslides. As the monsoon continues, authorities in the affected regions are on high alert, with rescue operations and advisories being issued to mitigate the impact of these severe weather conditions. The situation underscores the importance of preparedness and robust infrastructure to handle the challenges posed by the monsoon season.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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