Delhi Waterlogging: News, Causes, and What to Do

Every monsoon, Delhi’s streets turn into rivers, and anyone who’s lived here knows the hassle of waterlogged roads. From delayed flights to soaked houses, waterlogging hits daily life hard. Here’s a clear rundown of what’s causing the floods, the latest updates, and practical steps you can take to stay safe.

Why Delhi Faces Waterlogging

First off, Delhi sits on a flat plain criss‑crossed by old riverbeds. When the monsoon brings heavy rain, the ground can’t soak it up fast enough. Add illegal constructions that block natural drainage, and the water has nowhere to go but onto the streets.

Recent storms have pushed the Yamuna close to its 1978 peak, as seen in the report titled “Delhi rainfall pushes Yamuna above evacuation mark; flights delayed, diversions across NCR.” The river rose to 207.44 m, causing floods near IGI Airport and the Outer Ring Road. That same downpour triggered an orange alert in nearby states, showing how a single system can affect a wide region.

Another factor is clogged stormwater drains. Years of garbage buildup slow down flow, turning even moderate showers into mini‑floods. The city’s rapid growth means new roads often lack proper drainage design, compounding the problem.

Tips to Stay Safe During Floods

When water starts rising, stay calm and follow these simple steps:

  • Stay informed: Keep an eye on IMD alerts and local news. The “IMD weather alert: Bay of Bengal cyclonic circulation to drench 13 states” story shows how quickly weather can shift.
  • Avoid wading through water: Even shallow water can hide open manholes or electric lines. If a road looks flooded, find an alternative route.
  • Secure your home: Move valuables to higher ground, sandbag doorways, and unplug appliances to prevent electrical hazards.
  • Plan an evacuation: Know the nearest safe shelters and keep a small emergency kit with water, snacks, a flashlight and basic medicines.
  • Travel smart: Flights and trains may be delayed. Check airline notifications early, as many carriers do after heavy rain events like the one that halted cremations at Nigambodh Ghat.

If you’re caught on a flooded road, stay inside your vehicle, turn off the engine, and call for help. Never try to drive through fast‑moving water—one foot of flow can sweep a car away.

City officials are working on longer‑term fixes, such as widening drainage channels and clearing debris. In the meantime, staying aware and prepared is the best defense.

Keep scrolling for the latest posts tagged “Delhi waterlogging,” including updates on rain levels, road closures, and government actions. Stay safe, stay dry, and don’t let the monsoon catch you off guard.

IMD red alert as North India rainfall triggers floods from Punjab to Delhi-NCR

IMD red alert as North India rainfall triggers floods from Punjab to Delhi-NCR
4 September 2025 Arjun Rao

Relentless rain has flooded parts of Punjab, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh, with the IMD issuing red alerts across multiple states. Punjab is seeing its worst floods since 1988. A drain breach on the Haryana-Delhi border triggered evacuations in low-lying colonies. A Bay of Bengal low-pressure system is fueling the downpour, with September rainfall likely to exceed the long-period average.