Delhi rain: IMD red alert as heavy downpour delays over 130 flights, disrupts traffic

Heavy rain lashed Delhi and its neighbouring areas on Saturday morning, providing relief from humidity but causing waterlogging and traffic congestion in multiple parts of the capital. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for north, west, south, southeast, and central Delhi, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 33°C, while the minimum will be around 25°C.

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport were significantly impacted, with over 182 departures delayed and a few cancellations reported. Data from Flightradar showed that, as of 8:30 am, 15 inbound flights and 120 outbound flights were running behind schedule. Airlines including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet issued advisories urging passengers to allow extra time for travel, take alternate routes if possible, and check flight status online before heading to the airport.

In a statement, Delhi Airport said, “As per the Indian Meteorological Department's forecast, Delhi is currently experiencing inclement weather, including heavy rainfall, resulting in waterlogging near the airport. Passengers are advised to plan their travel accordingly and consider alternative modes of transport, such as the Delhi Metro, to avoid delays and ensure timely arrival at the airport.” IndiGo stated, “Due to today’s downpour, several roads across Delhi are currently blocked or experiencing slow movement. Please allow extra time, take an alternate route if possible, and check your flight status on our website or app before leaving for the airport.”

Traffic police reported congestion at several points across the city, including New Rohtak Road, Zakhira Railway Underpass, GTK Depot, Jahangirpuri, and Adarsh Nagar. In South East Delhi’s Hari Nagar area, part of a building collapsed during the downpour. Emergency services were deployed to the site, and no injuries were reported at the time of the update.

The IMD has also issued warnings for other regions, including Himachal Pradesh, where heavy rainfall is expected. An orange alert has been issued for three districts in the state for August 11, with a yellow alert in place for the remaining districts. The department has cautioned residents and travellers about the risk of further disruptions due to continued rainfall.