Delhi-NCR Floods – What’s Happening and How to Stay Safe

Heavy rain has turned Delhi‑NCR into a flood‑watch zone. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended alerts till September 6, and the Yamuna river is inching close to danger levels. If you’re commuting, working from home or planning outings, you need the latest info and a quick checklist to avoid trouble.

Current Weather Alerts

IMD’s latest bulletin warns of continuous downpours across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida and surrounding districts. Expect rain intensity of 70‑100 mm in a single day, with thunderstorms popping up after dusk. Temperatures are 3‑5°C below normal, which makes the air feel damp and uncomfortable.

The Yamuna’s water level at the Old Railway Bridge (ORB) is hovering around the danger mark. Authorities have already closed the bridge for vehicular traffic, and cremations at Nigambodh Ghat are being delayed. Schools in Delhi and parts of Haryana have shifted to online mode or announced temporary closures. Flights in and out of Delhi Airport face occasional delays because of low visibility.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are on a red alert for flash floods and landslides. While the focus is on Delhi‑NCR, the ripple effect can hit highways leading to the hills, so long‑distance travelers should check road conditions before hitting the road.

Practical Safety Tips

Stay informed: Keep the IMD app or a reliable weather site open. Alerts can change in an hour, and a quick notification can save you from getting stuck in water‑logged areas.

Plan your commute: If you can work from home, do it. If you must travel, use routes that stay on higher ground. Avoid crossing flooded streets—water depth can be deceptive, and even shallow water can sweep a vehicle away.

Secure your home: Move valuable items to upper floors, check that drainage gutters are clear, and place sandbags if you’re near the river. Keep a flashlight, a few bottles of water and basic medicines handy in case power goes out.

Be careful with electricity: Do not touch electrical appliances with wet hands. If you notice water near sockets, switch off the main breaker and call an electrician.

Help others: Elderly neighbors and those with limited mobility may need assistance. Share updates, offer rides or help them move valuables to safer spots.

While the rain is stopping some outdoor events, it’s also a reminder to respect nature’s power. The next few days will decide whether the flood watch tightens or eases. Keep this guide handy, stay alert, and you’ll navigate the Delhi‑NCR floods with fewer headaches.

Delhi-NCR floods snarl Noida–Delhi commute for 5+ hours as Yamuna crosses danger mark
Delhi-NCR floods snarl Noida–Delhi commute for 5+ hours as Yamuna crosses danger mark

Hours-long jams, submerged roads, and mass evacuations hit Delhi-NCR as the Yamuna swells to 207.43 m, its third-highest mark since 1963. Noida–Delhi trips stretched beyond five hours. Parts of Janakpuri and NH-44 caved in, schools shut, and cremations at Nigambodh Ghat were halted. Over 12,000 people are displaced, with 38 relief sites opened as authorities race to pump out water and plan diversions.

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