1 week ago
Heavy Rain Triggers Waterlogging, Traffic Chaos Across North India
Heavy rain fell across Delhi and nearby parts of northern India on August 24, 2026.
The water covered many roads and made traffic move very slowly.
Students and other people had to walk through water as high as their knees or waists.
Some cars, trucks, buses and ambulances became stuck.
Rain also caused problems in Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha.
Bad weather forced at least 15 flights heading to Delhi to land at other airports.
The weather office had warned about rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj blamed Delhi’s government for flooding in Sadar Bazar.
The government-side explanation focused on the heavy weather that had been forecast.
Heavy rain flooded roads and underpasses across Delhi-NCR, including ITO, Sangam Vihar, Zakhira, Noida, Faridabad and Gurugram.
Students and commuters waded through knee- to waist-deep water, while vehicles, school buses, ambulances and two-wheelers became stranded.
At least 15 Delhi-bound flights were diverted, though reports differed on the destinations: one cited 11 flights to Jaipur, while another reported 12 to Jaipur, two to Chandigarh and one to Lucknow.
The India Meteorological Department recorded 28 mm of rain in Chhatarpur and warned of thunderstorms, heavy to moderate rain and winds up to 40 kmph.
Rain also disrupted traffic in Jaipur and Rajasthan, blocked 98 roads in Himachal Pradesh, and caused heavy rainfall in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
- Who
- Residents, students, commuters, motorists, airlines and local authorities were affected; AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Delhi government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
- What
- Heavy rain caused waterlogging, traffic disruption, stranded vehicles, flight diversions and road closures across several parts of India.
- Where
- Delhi-NCR, including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida and Faridabad, as well as Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Odisha.
- When
- Monday, August 24, 2026; rainfall and disruption were reported from the morning through the afternoon and evening.
- Why
- The disruption followed heavy showers, thunderstorms, gusty winds and a low-pressure system affecting parts of eastern India.
Government accountability criticism
Weather-related disruption
Responsibility for Delhi flooding
Government accountability criticism
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj blamed the BJP-led Delhi government after rainwater reportedly entered shops in Sadar Bazar and damaged traders’ goods.
Weather-related disruption
The disruption followed heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds that the India Meteorological Department had forecast across the region.
Key facts
- Delhi rainfall
- Chhatarpur recorded 28 mm between 8:30 am and 11:30 am; Lodi Road recorded 24.6 mm and Pitampura 18.5 mm.
- Gurugram rainfall
- The district administration reported 70 mm by 1:30 pm.
- Flight disruption
- At least 15 Delhi-bound flights were diverted because of inclement weather; reports differed on their destinations.
- Delhi traffic impact
- ITO, Zakhira underpass, Connaught Place, Mathura Road, Bhairon Marg and parts of Lutyens’ Delhi were waterlogged.
- Himachal Pradesh impact
- Ninety-eight roads, 21 power transformers and 21 drinking-water schemes were disrupted.
- Odisha rainfall
- Joda recorded 169.4 mm, Papadahandi 158.8 mm and Paikmal 120 mm during the reported 24-hour period.
- Weather warning
- The IMD forecast heavy to moderate rain, thunderstorms and winds of up to 40 kmph across the region.
Quotes
Saurabh Bharadwaj
Aam Aadmi Party leader who criticized the Delhi government over waterlogging in Sadar Bazar
“This scene is from Sadar Bazar, Delhi's most famous commercial hub. Water has flooded the shops, goods are being ruined, and shopkeepers are left helpless.”
businesstoday.in
Sources
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