New Delhi, May 25, 2025 — A sudden and intense spell of heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms lashed the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region) on Saturday, bringing the bustling metropolis to a near standstill. The downpour, which began in the early hours of the day, led to massive waterlogging across key locations, causing traffic snarls, submerged vehicles, and widespread chaos. The adverse weather conditions also severely impacted flight operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, resulting in delays and cancellations.

Torrential Rainfall and Thunderstorms Hit the Capital

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued an alert for heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. The alert turned into a reality as dark clouds enveloped the skyline around dawn, followed by hours of uninterrupted rainfall. According to IMD officials, Delhi received over 90 mm of rainfall within just a few hours — one of the highest 24-hour totals for the season so far.

Thunder and lightning accompanied the downpour, further exacerbating the situation, especially in low-lying areas and residential colonies where drainage infrastructure remains inadequate.

Flight Operations Severely Affected

One of the immediate casualties of the inclement weather was flight operations at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), one of the busiest aviation hubs in South Asia. The airport witnessed significant delays throughout the day, with several flights being diverted to Jaipur and Lucknow due to low visibility and slippery runway conditions.

Many incoming flights circled the airspace for prolonged periods before being allowed to land, causing inconvenience to passengers. Departing flights also suffered major delays, with airlines issuing advisories urging travelers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

According to Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), more than 60 domestic and international flights were delayed, and over a dozen flights were canceled or diverted as of Saturday afternoon.

Passengers took to social media to share their ordeal, posting images of crowded terminals and long queues at airline counters.

Waterlogging and Traffic Chaos Across NCR

Heavy rain led to severe waterlogging in various parts of Delhi-NCR, crippling road traffic and stranding commuters. Areas such as ITO, Minto Bridge, Connaught Place, Ring Road, and stretches of South Delhi turned into temporary lakes, with water levels rising dangerously high in some zones.

Visuals from across the city showed cars and two-wheelers submerged under several feet of water. In some cases, motorists abandoned their vehicles mid-road due to flooding. The Delhi Traffic Police issued several advisories, urging commuters to avoid certain key routes and remain indoors unless absolutely necessary.

In Noida and Gurugram, similar scenes unfolded. Major intersections and arterial roads were inundated, forcing office-goers and school buses to wade through knee-deep water. Several societies in low-lying sectors reported water entering basements and ground floors.

Emergency Services and Local Administration on High Alert

Civic agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Jal Board, and local municipal corporations, deployed emergency teams to pump out water and clear clogged drains. However, the response was hampered by the sheer volume of water and outdated drainage systems.

The Delhi government said it was monitoring the situation closely. “Our teams are on the ground to handle waterlogging complaints. We are also coordinating with traffic police to ensure minimal disruption,” a senior official from the PWD said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local fire departments were pressed into action in some areas where cars were completely submerged and people needed assistance evacuating.

Public Transport Impacted

Public transport systems also bore the brunt of the rain fury. Several DTC and cluster buses were stuck in waterlogged zones, leading to route diversions and long waiting times for commuters. The Delhi Metro, though largely operational, reported brief disruptions due to water seepage at a few stations, including Janakpuri West and Pragati Maidan.

Ride-hailing services saw a sharp spike in demand and pricing, adding to the woes of stranded residents.

Citizens Raise Concerns Over Infrastructure

The recurring issue of urban flooding has reignited debates about Delhi-NCR's crumbling drainage infrastructure and poor urban planning. Despite pre-monsoon warnings and annual de-silting drives, many areas remain vulnerable to even moderate rain.

“I left home at 8:30 AM for work and reached my office in Gurugram only by 1:00 PM. Half the roads were flooded, and at one point my car broke down due to engine flooding,” said Rohan Mehta, a resident of East Delhi.

Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos highlighting the extent of the devastation — from floating cars and jam-packed roads to people pushing stalled vehicles and school children stranded in buses.

Outlook and Precautionary Measures

The IMD has forecast more rain over the next 48 hours, warning that similar weather conditions may persist across NCR. Residents have been advised to stay updated through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel.

With the monsoon yet to officially arrive, this early deluge is a wake-up call for authorities to ramp up preparedness and ensure that drainage systems are equipped to handle extreme weather events — now more frequent due to climate change.

As the region recovers from the chaos, questions remain about long-term solutions to Delhi-NCR’s perennial monsoon misery.