Heavy Rain Floods Delhi-NCR, Diverts Flights and Forces Work-from-Home Advice

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms lashed Delhi and the National Capital Region on Monday, triggering extensive waterlogging, traffic snarls and flight diversions.

At least 15 flights bound for Delhi were diverted because of poor visibility and runway conditions at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Multiple airlines issued advisories. Road networks in low-lying areas turned into temporary streams, with vehicles stranded for hours.

The India Meteorological Department had issued a red alert for parts of the region. Gurugram administration advised corporate offices, government departments and schools to allow work from home on Tuesday to ease congestion while residual water drains.

Videos circulating from Noida, Ghaziabad and parts of Delhi showed children swimming in flooded stretches and motorists abandoning cars. Drainage systems, already strained by the monsoon, struggled to cope with the intensity of the downpour.

Flight operations gradually resumed as weather improved later in the day, yet the backlog of delayed and cancelled services continued. Airport authorities coordinated with airlines on passenger assistance.

Similar episodes occur every monsoon season, yet the combination of rapid urban growth and incomplete drainage upgrades keeps the capital vulnerable. Local bodies face recurring criticism over desilting and maintenance schedules.

Residents in affected neighbourhoods reported power outages in some pockets. Emergency services remained on standby for water-related rescues.

Forecasts indicate further rain possible in the coming days. Authorities urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during peak precipitation periods and to monitor official weather updates.