Delhi NCR witnesses moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon (June to mid-September). Poor urban planning, encroachment and unorganized sewer and drainage management has made the metro city susceptible to waterlogging.

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms that develops during the onset of monsoon causes infrastructural damage as well. Commuters and business organizations often witness challenges in the form of traffic disruptions and power outages. Additionally, humidity tends to remain high during this period, which also causes physical disorders like exhaustion and dehydration. Flight delays and cancellations are also reported. Isolated incidents of metro railway service disruptions during very heavy rainfall are also reported.

Low-Lying Areas Prone to Waterlogging

Delhi

Gurugram

Medium Impact Area

• Delhi-Gurugram Road near Mahipalpur
• Golf Course Extension Road
• Vatika Chowk
• Iffco Chowk
• Hero Honda Chowk
• Subhash Chowk

Noida

Note : Click on the area names to directly locate on Google Maps

Common Disruptions

Precautions by the Government:

• Irrigation and Flood Control Department of Government of Delhi is responsible for effective monitoring of the flood situation in Delhi. The Department undertakes pre-monsoon anti waterlogging and flood control measures every year, like desilting of all the trunk drains, restoration of anteversion works like spurs, installation of control rooms and check post at various stations etc.
• Electricity providers are adequately prepared for prompt response to power outages.
• Police are deployed in larger numbers for maintenance of traffic flow. Often diversions and temporary blockades are issued for traffic management.

Reccomendations

For Organisations

• Advised to undertake flexible working arrangement and allow remote work on days with inclement weather conditions.
• Conduct regular servicing of equipment, machinery, and facilities to ensure they are in optimal condition to withstand any damage that may occur due to thunderstorms or lightning strikes.
• Advised to inspect and reinforce the infrastructure of your business premises to withstand heavy rainfall and winds.
• Undertake dampness check for water and electrical leakages.
• Internet Wi-Fi/Network disruptions may occur, ensure standby alternatives.
• Prepare for adequate backups to minimise the impact of power outages.
• Advised to install flood control barrier system to prevent water from entering the premises.

For Individuals

• Advised to consider extra travel time as even low intensity rainfall may lead to severe congestion and consequent delays.
• It is advised to prepare for flood in adherence to guidelines issued by the Natural Disaster Management Authority of India.
• Keep the surrounding clean. Unclog drains and trim the plants (if any) within the residential complex to avoid any kind of blockades.
• Be cautious during thunderstorms: Seek shelter indoors during thunderstorms and remain vigilant of warnings and alerts as issued by authorities.
• Be cautious of frayed wires, electrical lines, and tree limbs.
• Stay away from tall structures, trees, and open areas.
• Unplug electronic devices to prevent damage from power surges during electrical storms.
• Use mosquito repellents and wear protective clothing.
• Taxi (online and offline) and delivery services tend to charge surge fees during rainfall. Advised to take the same into account and plan accordingly.
• Avoid consumption of unfiltered water or street food.
• MitKat advises to keep a fresh set of clothes in the office, have alternate routes mapped and carry electronic gadgets and important documents in waterproof bags.
• In case driving in low-lying areas, avoid hard accelerations and brakes; maintain a steady momentum and do not restart engine while the vehicle is stalled in water. For further safe driving guidelines, refer to MitKat’s Special Advisory on Safety Measures for Vehicles During Heavy Rainfall.

Emergency Contacts and Source Links –

• Weather Updates – District-wise Forecast, District-wise Nowcast
• Traffic Updates – Delhi Traffic Department, Noida Traffic Department, and Gurugram Traffic Department
• Delhi Metro Updates – Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
• Helpline for waterlogging call centre for all department of Delhi government – 1800-11-0093 (toll free)
• Irrigation and Flood Control Department – List of Control Room Contact Information
• Waterlogging Helpline Contact Information by Noida Authority – 0120-2423795
• Emergency Traffic Helpline Contact Information for Gurugram – 9213020404