Delhi Schools To Remain Shut Today Amid IMD Red Alert; Flight Ops Hit, Waterlogging In Several Areas After Heavy Rain

At least 10 flights heading to the national capital were diverted on Wednesday as heavy rain lashed Delhi, prompting the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a ‘red alert’ warning.

According to an official, the diversions happened after 7:30 p.m. due to adverse weather conditions. Of these, eight flights were rerouted to Jaipur, while two were directed to Lucknow.

The city recorded over 100 millimeters of rainfall in just one hour. According to the IMD’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS) network, the Pragati Maidan observatory in central Delhi recorded 112.5 millimeters of rain during this period.

Red Alert In Delhi

The IMD issued a red alert for Delhi, predicting heavy to very heavy rain over the next 24 hours.

“Moderate rainfall accompanied by moderate thunderstorms and lightning is likely to occur at North Delhi, Central-Delhi, New Delhi, South Delhi, South-East Delhi, East Delhi, NCR in the next two hours,” the IMD said.

According to the weather department, the rainy conditions are expected to continue till August 5. Besides Delhi, other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) have also experienced lightning, thunder, and light rain.

The National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin has listed Delhi as an ‘area of concern,’ as per the weather office.

Schools To Remain Close on Thursday

In view of the heavy rainfall, Delhi government announced that all schools in the city will remain shut on Thursday.

“In light of very heavy rainfall today evening and forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools – government and private – will remain closed tomorrow,” Education Minister Atishi said in a post on X.

Some schools in Gurugram have also declared a holiday for tomorrow (Thursday), while others have announced online classes in light of the rain alert.

Traffic Police Advisory

Multiple areas, including Lutyen’s Delhi, Kashmere Gate, and Rajinder Nagar, have been inundated due to the rain.

Visuals from South Delhi’s Qutub Minar area showed vehicles navigating through waterlogged roads as traffic police personnel worked to manage the flow of traffic.

Check route details and real-time traffic updates here

The traffic police have issued several alerts regarding the affected routes and urged people to plan their journeys accordingly.

Airlines Issues Advisory On X

In an update on X, SpiceJet announced that all departures and arrivals, along with their consequential flights, might be affected due to the adverse weather.

“Due to bad weather (heavy rain) in Delhi (DEL), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may get affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via https://shorturl.at/6KfRe,” the airline shared.

“Flights to and from Delhi may get affected due to bad weather this evening. Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement,” Air India shared.

IMD issues advisory for residents 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to stay indoors, secure windows and doors, and avoid unnecessary travel.

“Seeking safe shelter and avoiding tree cover are recommended to mitigate risks. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops,” the IMD said in its advisory.

According to the weather body, the rainy weather is likely to continue till August 5. Apart from Delhi, lightning and thunder followed by light rains were reported in other parts of the NCR as well.

Delhi L-G Calls For Vigilance

Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has also urged officials to remain vigilant amid the heavy downpour.

“Have cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people in general, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centres,” Saxena shared on X.

Area Where IAS Aspirants Died Flooded Again

Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar, the area where three IAS aspirants died due to flooding in the basement of a coaching centre last week, has been inundated once again following the heavy rains.

Several videos have surfaced, showing severe flooding in the area, which is home to numerous coaching centres.

Addressing the situation on X, AAP MP Swati Maliwal shared, “This is the current situation near Rau IAS in Old Rajendra Nagar. After the administrative murder of innocent students three days ago, the same situation again? Even if the drains are not cleaned, no one will be held accountable?.”

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has faced intense criticism for the incident, which has sparked a political blame game between the BJP and the AAP.

Students have been protesting since the tragedy happened on July 27, demanding enhanced safety measures at coaching centres, which they believe pose a significant threat to their lives.

Some Gurugram Schools Declares Holiday On Thursday

Some schools in Gurugram have declared a holiday for tomorrow (Thursday), while others have announced online classes in light of the rain alert.