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    From water crisis to flooding: How Delhi went from extreme heat to rivers on roads in just 24 hours

    Synopsis

    Delhi grapples with unprecedented rainfall following scorching temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius. Within 24 hours, the city received a record-breaking 228.1 mm of rain, surpassing June's average and causing severe water-logging and chaos. Experts attribute the intense rainfall to climate change, emphasizing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure and proactive measures to mitigate future risks.

    From heatwave to record-breaking rainfall: Severe waterlogging and traffic jams grip Delhi-NCR
    Emerging from scorching temperatures that peaked near 50 degrees Celsius, Delhi residents now grapple with unprecedented rainfall causing severe water-logging and chaos across the capital. Just weeks after enduring one of its hottest periods in history, the Indian capital experienced a deluge, receiving a staggering 228.1 mm of rainfall within a span of 24 hours. This amount surpasses Delhi's average rainfall for the entire month of June, transforming relief from the heat into widespread disruption.

    Delhi Received Record-Breaking Rainfall in 24 hours

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the torrential downpour marked a 266 per cent departure from the norm for this time of year. Areas surrounding the Delhi airport alone received 148.5 mm of rain in just three hours on Friday, exceeding the total rainfall recorded in June of the previous year (101.7 mm).

    The Safdarjung Observatory, Delhi's main weather station, registered 228.1 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Friday. This amount is more than three times the average June rainfall of 74.1 mm and marks the highest June rainfall in at least 16 years. As per IMD, the weather station at Lodhi Road logged 192.8 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am, Ridge 150.4 mm, Palam 106.6 mm, Delhi University 139 mm, Pitampura 138 mm, Pusa 89 mm, Mayur Vihar 75 mm, and Tughlakabad 70.5 mm.

    The initial heavy rainfall of the season revived familiar scenes of flooded roads, submerged underpasses, vehicles stranded in water, and extensive traffic jams. Many residents voiced frustration over the city's drainage system's inability to cope with such conditions.

    The delayed onset of the monsoon, followed by sudden thunderstorms, disrupted the region's weather patterns, ushering in relief but also triggering unforeseen consequences.
    Growfast

      Heavy Rain led to Flooding

      The heavy rains in Delhi led to a fatal collapse of the airport's roof, flight disruptions, closure of metro stations, and extensive traffic congestion due to water-logged streets and flooded underpasses. This turn of events has underscored the vulnerability of Delhi's infrastructure to extreme weather events.

      Climate Change Behind Sudden Burst

      Experts attribute the intensifying rainfall to climate change, which escalates the atmosphere's water vapor content with rising global temperatures. "Due to climate change, extreme rain events are becoming more frequent, compressing annual rainfall into shorter periods," Sunita Narain of the Centre for Science and Environment told Reuters.

      Experts feel that urgent actions of climate change are needed as the erratic distribution of rainfall impacts both infrastructure and citizens severely. To mitigate future risks, experts recommend enhancing water storage capacity through the creation of lakes and ponds, clearing drains and canals to prevent flooding, and increasing public awareness about climate impacts. These steps, they argue, are crucial for safeguarding cities like Delhi from the dual threats of extreme heat and heavy rainfall.

      As Delhi navigates through these climatic extremes, the imperative remains clear: adapting infrastructure and policies to withstand unpredictable weather patterns exacerbated by climate change. With monsoon forecasts indicating a timely spread across the country, the focus now shifts to proactive measures that ensure resilience and readiness in the face of future weather challenges.



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