Delhi came to a halt on Wednesday after heavy rainfall severely disrupted the city. The intense downpour, which included strong winds and lightning, led to waterlogged streets, flooded homes, and significant traffic problems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a “red alert” later in the day, resulting in school closures across Delhi for August 1.
As residents navigated the flooded streets, high cab fares, and water entering their homes, social media erupted with reactions. Many criticized the city’s infrastructure, sharing dramatic visuals of the flooding caused by the brief but heavy rainfall.
“South Delhi – ring road all traffic blocked within two mins of rain – there is NO Drainage in Delhi,” X user Yasmin Kidwai wrote.
South delhi -ring road all traffic blocked within two mins of rain -there is NO Drainage in Delhi -No work has been done in this season by the Govt ! #Rains #Delhi https://t.co/6bIHbWxPe4
— Yasmin Kidwai (@YasminKidwai) July 31, 2024
“Just 20 mins of rain in Delhi today and look how Karol Bagh is already screwed,” another user remarked, posting footage of a staircase turned into a waterfall.
Just 20 mins of rain in delhi today and look how Karol bagh is already screwed. pic.twitter.com/0tzGDuIYNu
— kavyaa (@Kavya_sp22) July 31, 2024
A photograph of the flooded Press Club, located near Parliament, also went viral.
In New Friends Colony, residents were spotted wading through ankle-deep water. “Just an hour of moderate rain, and this A-Grade Colony, which pays the highest property taxes, is flooded due to poor management and clogged rainwater drains,” a resident remarked.
@MCD_Delhi @LtGovDelhi one hour of medium rain and A Grade Colony paying highest slab of property tax gets flooded due to neglect, bad management, choked rainwater drains. #NewFriendsColony #NeglectedCity pic.twitter.com/ZRHDHPdQES
— Hema Badhwar Mehra (@BadhwarHema) July 31, 2024
Many social media users likened Delhi’s condition to a ‘swimming pool’.
People of Delhi enjoying the experience of FREE world-class infinity pool with luxurious view
People must visit BJP office & thank BJP workers personally 🔥#delhirain pic.twitter.com/XoGGd1K8u0
— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) July 31, 2024
Cloud burst in Delhi, infinity pool all over the city , schools declared holiday, red alert issued!#delhirain
— Sumit Dhanania (@DhananiaSumit) July 31, 2024
Heavy rain Delhi. Swimming pool forming in the park.#delhirain pic.twitter.com/aIitMOCUmR
— Themmarak Kapai (@themmarakkapai) July 31, 2024
Heavy rain Delhi. Swimming pool forming in the park.#delhirain pic.twitter.com/aIitMOCUmR
— Themmarak Kapai (@themmarakkapai) July 31, 2024
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi’s statement about addressing waterlogging received sarcastic replies. One commenter said, “Any water-logging you just said?? What a joke madam!! Whole Delhi is a pool right now.”
“Any water-logging” you just said?? What a joke madam!! Whole delhi is a pool right now!!!
— Anand Chhatwal (@andygoogleboy) July 31, 2024
The IMD reported that clouds had converged over Delhi from all directions, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Additionally, amid the heavy rains, a house in Delhi’s Sabzi Mandi area collapsed, prompting the dispatch of five fire tenders to the scene.