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The monsoon season in Delhi took a disruptive turn on Tuesday, as heavy rainfall led to significant waterlogging and chaos across the city. The most notable impact was at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, where Terminal 1 experienced flooding, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers and airport staff alike. The unexpected inundation highlighted vulnerabilities in the airport's infrastructure and raised concerns about its preparedness for extreme weather events. The situation necessitated the deployment of maintenance teams to drain the accumulated water, a task that undoubtedly added to the operational strain at the already busy airport. Beyond the airport, the rainfall triggered widespread waterlogging in various parts of Delhi, leading to traffic congestion and disruptions to daily commutes. Key areas such as the underpass near Delhi Cantonment, Zakhira Underpass, Pul Prahladpurr, ITO, Delhi Najafgarh Road, and Delhi Rohtak Road were particularly affected, with knee-deep water hindering vehicular movement and causing significant delays. The combination of flooded roads and congested traffic created a challenging environment for commuters, underscoring the need for improved drainage systems and traffic management strategies to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a red alert for Delhi and its surrounding regions, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by hail, moderate to heavy rainfall, and gusty winds. The alert served as a warning of the impending weather conditions, but the severity of the rainfall and its subsequent impact on the city's infrastructure exceeded initial expectations. The IMD's data revealed varying levels of rainfall across different weather stations in Delhi, with Pusa recording the highest amount at 41 mm. Safdarjung, Lodhi Road, Narayana, and Ayanagar also experienced significant rainfall, further contributing to the overall waterlogging situation. In addition to the rainfall, strong winds were observed at Palam and Safdarjung stations, adding to the intensity of the weather event. The IMD's forecast for Wednesday included a 'yellow' alert, predicting thunderstorms with lightning and light to moderate rainfall. The department also warned of thundersqualls with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, particularly during the night, indicating the potential for continued disruptions and challenges. The IMD emphasized the importance of precautionary measures and highlighted the potential impacts of intense lightning, urging people to seek shelter and avoid open areas. The events of Tuesday underscored the vulnerability of Delhi's infrastructure to extreme weather events and highlighted the need for proactive measures to enhance its resilience. Investing in improved drainage systems, implementing effective traffic management strategies, and enhancing weather forecasting capabilities are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of heavy rainfall and ensuring the safety and well-being of the city's residents. The coordination between different agencies, including the airport authorities, the municipal corporation, and the traffic police, is essential to effectively manage the response to extreme weather events and minimize disruptions to daily life. Furthermore, raising public awareness about weather alerts and safety precautions can help individuals take informed decisions and protect themselves from potential hazards. The Delhi government and relevant authorities must prioritize these measures to ensure that the city is better prepared to cope with the challenges posed by the monsoon season and other extreme weather events. This includes a thorough review of existing infrastructure, identification of vulnerable areas, and implementation of long-term solutions to address the root causes of waterlogging and traffic congestion. The involvement of experts in urban planning, hydrology, and disaster management is crucial to develop effective strategies and ensure that the city's infrastructure is resilient to future weather events. The experiences of Tuesday serve as a reminder of the importance of investing in disaster preparedness and resilience, not only in Delhi but also in other cities and regions that are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of such events, making it even more crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate their impact and protect communities.
Source: Delhi rains: Water enters IGI Airport Terminal 1; 12 flights diverted