Heavy rain floods Delhi, diverts 15 flights, snarls traffic

Heavy rain lashed north India on Monday, flooding roads and disrupting life across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Delhi received moderate to heavy showers, with Janakpuri recording 72.5 mm. Key stretches including Connaught Place, ITO, and the Zakhira underpass were waterlogged. Commuters reported waist-deep water and long traffic jams. Fifteen Delhi-bound flights were diverted, and over 400 flights were delayed at IGI Airport.

In Gurugram, 70 mm of rain fell by afternoon, flooding Rajiv Chowk and IFFCO Chowk. Himachal Pradesh reported 98 roads closed. The Indian Meteorological Department attributed the rain to a western disturbance interacting with a trough. Light to moderate rain is likely Tuesday, followed by a dry spell. The Public Works Department said 80% of desilting work on drains near Connaught Place is complete, with the rest targeted within 15 days.