The Delhi-NCR region woke up to heavy rainfall on Friday, August 29, 2025, causing substantial waterlogging and severe traffic jams. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Noida and Ghaziabad and an orange alert for several parts of Delhi, including South East Delhi, Central Delhi, and Shahdara, with further rainfall expected in the coming days.
Flight operations faced delays, and residents struggled with flooding in several low-lying areas. Civic authorities and emergency responders are actively managing the situation, urging people to avoid non-essential travel while monitoring the weather closely.
Monsoon Showers Bring City to a Halt
The early hours of Friday saw relentless rain affecting the national capital and adjoining areas. Key roads such as the DND Flyway, Mathura Road, Vikas Marg, and ISBT suffered heavy waterlogging, with certain locations reporting water levels between three to four feet. The Sarita Vihar underpass, MB Road, Sangam Vihar, and parts of Khanpur were notably submerged, forcing many commuters to wade through flooded streets. Traffic snarls stretched for kilometres as vehicles crawled at a snail’s pace, severely impacting office-goers and school children alike.
Delhi Traffic Police deployed personnel at strategic points to manage congestions and assist stranded motorists, emphasizing safety and cooperation. “Traffic movement has slowed down considerably due to waterlogging in multiple pockets. Our teams are on ground to ease flow and support commuters during this difficult time,” said a senior officer. Power outages and disruptions in public transport compounded commuter hardships, with many reporting delays and inconvenience throughout the morning hours.
Warnings Escalate: IMD’s Alerts and Flight Disruptions
Initially, the India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert for parts of Noida, Ghaziabad, and Delhi, but the warning was swiftly elevated. Noida and Ghaziabad face a red alert, indicating extremely heavy rainfall with flood risks, while the orange alert covers multiple Delhi localities prone to moderate to heavy showers.
Delhi airport operations were also disrupted due to the adverse weather. As many as 146 flight departures and 30 arrivals were delayed till late morning, prompting IndiGo Airlines to issue advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses and allow for extra travel time. In a social media post, IndiGo cautioned travelers: “The skies over Delhi are bringing some light showers today.
Travel may be slower in a few areas. Please plan ahead and check your flight details using our app or website.” Meanwhile, the weather department forecasts rains to continue intermittently over the next few days, bringing down temperatures and easing the sweltering summer heat.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This incident of heavy rain is a vivid reminder of the intertwined realities of nature and urban life. Rain is essential for the environment and replenishment yet highlights serious gaps in infrastructure, preparedness, and planning in our cities. Recurring floods and waterlogging reveal the urgent need for climate-resilient urban development that protects every citizen, especially the vulnerable and marginalised.
At The Logical Indian, we believe in promoting empathy, collective responsibility, and sustainable solutions that can safeguard lives while respecting nature’s rhythms. Developing smarter drainage systems, equitable civic services, and inclusive disaster management must be priorities for policymakers. Citizens, too, hold power through awareness and cooperation during crises.
