Red Alert Issued In Delhi After Heavy Rains Cause House Collapse

Heavy rains in Delhi have caused significant disruptions, including a house collapse in the Sabzi Mandi area of north Delhi, injuring one person. The Delhi Fire Services received a call at 8:57 pm about the collapse near Ghanta Ghar. Five fire tenders were dispatched, and the injured individual was rescued and admitted to Hindu Rao Hospital.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Delhi, forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming hours. The city recorded over 100mm of rainfall in one hour, causing severe waterlogging in several areas. The IMD defines such extreme precipitation within a short period as a cloudburst, although no official statement on the situation has been made.

Delhi Lt Governor has urged officers to remain vigilant and address issues in waterlogging-prone sites, including coaching centers. The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for de-silting drains, operating pumps, road repairs, and taking precautions to avoid electrocution. This follows recent incidents of deaths due to electrocution and flooding in the city.

The Pragati Maidan observatory recorded 112.5 mm of rainfall in one hour. The National Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin has listed Delhi as an area of concern. The PWD memorandum emphasized immediate disposal of silt from drains to authorized dumping grounds within two hours of de-silting due to the limited drying time during rains.

Delhi’s high-intensity rains this monsoon have led to frequent waterlogging, causing various accidents and highlighting the need for effective drainage and safety measures.