Eight-hour traffic jams in Delhi suburb as rains wreak havoc

Heavy rainfall in northern India on Monday precipitated massive traffic jams in Delhi and its suburbs, leaving commuters stranded for up to eight hours and causing widespread disruptions to daily life. The downpour resulted in severe waterlogging on key highways, particularly in Gurugram, where a traffic gridlock stretched over 7 to 8 kilometers on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway, captured in viral videos showing endless rows of stationary vehicles. Public transport systems were severely impacted; the Delhi Metro experienced technical snags that halted services at major stations like Rajiv Chowk, while at Indira Gandhi International Airport, 95 incoming and 353 outbound flights faced delays due to adverse weather, as reported by Flightradar24. Commuters across Delhi-NCR faced immense hardships, with many opting to book hotels rather than brave the congested roads. The Indian Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall, noting that Delhi recorded 399.8 mm of precipitation in August—the highest in 15 years. Similar record-breaking rains were observed in Jammu and Kashmir, which saw its wettest August in 125 years, and Himachal Pradesh, with 431.3 mm, the most in 76 years. Beyond the capital region, Punjab was hardest hit, with severe flooding affecting over 256,000 people and prompting the evacuation of 15,000 residents. In Jammu and Kashmir, heavy rains triggered landslides and cloudbursts, resulting in over 130 fatalities since mid-August, with ongoing rescue operations. Additionally, in Samba district, land subsidence due to rainfall endangered homes, necessitating further evacuations. Authorities responded with multiple measures; the Gurugram police advised corporate offices to implement work-from-home and schools to switch to online classes. Flood warnings were issued for the Yamuna river, and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority ordered the closure of the Old Railway Bridge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured full support to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, highlighting the federal government’s commitment to relief efforts. This event underscores the critical vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure during monsoon seasons and the escalating challenges posed by climate change. With the IMD forecasting continued rainfall, authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing the need for improved disaster preparedness and resilient urban planning to mitigate future crises.