NEW DELHI: Heavy rain lashed Delhi-NCR on Friday, leaving roads waterlogged and disrupting traffic and flight operations across parts of the region.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for intense rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in the national capital.Videos across Delhi-NCR showed passengers wading through ankle-deep water, children playing in flooded roads, vehicles navigating waterlogged stretches and commuters struggling through the rain.The waterlogging was witnessed days before Delhi is set to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12 and 13. The rain-related disruption comes as authorities step up preparations for the summit, with security and traffic arrangements being put in place across the capital.With senior leaders and delegations expected to attend the high-profile gathering, authorities will have to manage traffic movement and ensure key routes, including those connecting the airport and Bharat Mandapam, remain accessible during spells of heavy rain.The summit is expected to bring leaders from BRICS member and partner countries to the capital, making the condition of the city’s civic infrastructure an important part of preparations for the event.Here are five videos that capture the extent of the rain chaos across Delhi-NCR.
1. Waterlogging at Delhi airport leaves passengers wading through water
Heavy rain led to waterlogging at Indira Gandhi International Airport, with visuals showing ankle-length water around the airport premises. Passengers and staff were seen walking through the water, some with their trousers folded up.Passenger Mansi told ANI that she had been waiting for around half an hour for the water level to recede before heading towards the arrival gates.
2. Children swim and play in waterlogged Mahipalpur
Rain lashed the Mahipalpur area, leaving stretches inundated. Visuals showed children playing and swimming in the accumulated rainwater as the downpour continued.
3. Waterlogging brings traffic to a crawl in Connaught Place
Connaught Place also witnessed waterlogging following heavy rain. Visuals showed vehicles navigating waterlogged roads, with traffic snarls reported in the area.
4. Water pours onto vehicles from flyover near Subroto Park
Waterlogging was reported in parts of the city near Subroto Park. Visuals showed water cascading from a flyover onto vehicles passing underneath, resembling a heavy stream of water pouring onto the road.
5. Heavy rain lashes Ghaziabad
Heavy rain also lashed several parts of Ghaziabad, with visuals from Sahibabad showing people making their way through the rain with umbrellas. Two-wheeler riders were also seen navigating the wet and waterlogged roads.
Flights hit as heavy rain disrupts Delhi operations
The heavy rainfall also affected flight operations in Delhi, with several flights arriving in the capital facing delays. Domestic flights from Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Port Blair were among those affected.IndiGo issued a travel advisory, asking passengers travelling through Delhi to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and allow additional travel time due to slower road conditions.According to the IMD, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning was likely across many parts of Delhi during the afternoon, with isolated areas expected to receive heavy rain.