New Delhi, June 28, 2024 — The Delhi NCR region has been hit by severe weather, with heavy rainfall causing significant disruptions across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported 228.1 mm of rain in 24 hours, marking the highest single-day rainfall for June since 1936. The torrential downpour has led to widespread waterlogging, traffic jams, and a tragic incident at Delhi’s Terminal 1 airport.
Early this morning, the roof of Terminal 1 at Delhi airport collapsed due to the heavy rain, resulting in one fatality and six injuries. The victim, identified as Ramesh Kumar from Rohini, was among those caught under the debris. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) visited the site and have ordered a structural examination of the terminal. All flight operations from Terminal 1 have been suspended until further notice, with flights being redistributed to Terminals 2 and 3.
Traffic Chaos and Waterlogging
The heavy rain has caused extensive waterlogging across Delhi, submerging roads and underpasses. Major areas like Connaught Place, ITO, and parts of Rajghat have reported knee-deep water. Traffic has come to a standstill in many parts, with several vehicles breaking down. The Public Works Department (PWD) has deployed pumps to drain water from affected areas, but the situation remains challenging.
Emergency Response
The Delhi government has called an emergency meeting to address the crisis. All Cabinet ministers and top officials are involved in coordinating the response efforts. Delhi Transport Corporation teams have been deployed to prevent government buses from getting stuck in waterlogged areas.
Monsoon Onset
The IMD has confirmed the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in Delhi, which has now covered the entire city and several other parts of North India. The monsoon is expected to bring more rain in the coming days, and residents are advised to stay alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
Public Reactions and Safety Measures
Residents have taken to social media to share videos and images of the waterlogged streets and disrupted traffic. The government has urged people to stay indoors if possible and to follow safety advisories.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this heavy rainfall, authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy and provide relief to the affected areas. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
