Heavy monsoon showers wreaked havoc across several parts of India on Thursday, leaving cities waterlogged, disrupting transport networks, and triggering building collapses, flash floods and rescue operations. From the national capital to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, relentless rainfall caused widespread disruption as authorities rushed to respond to emergencies.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'red' alert for Delhi after overnight rain continued into Thursday morning, bringing grey skies, strong winds and heavy showers. Large parts of the capital witnessed severe waterlogging, uprooted trees and traffic congestion during the morning rush hour.
One of the worst-hit locations was the Sadar Bazar area, where roads were submerged under rainwater, making movement difficult for commuters and local residents. Civic agencies deployed water pumps at several locations to drain the accumulated rainwater and restore normal traffic. Emergency teams were also engaged in clearing fallen trees and ensuring that blocked drains were reopened.
The spell of heavy rainfall also affected several other regions across the country, with Mumbai and parts of Rajasthan reporting waterlogged roads, slow-moving traffic and disruptions to daily life. Commuters in major cities faced delays as overflowing drains and inundated streets hampered transportation.
The relentless rain also led to a tragic incident in Delhi's Rohini area, where a four-storey building under construction collapsed. One person lost his life in the accident, while rescue teams managed to pull four people out of the debris.
Officials fear that four to five workers, along with the husband of the property owner, may still be trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue operations involving disaster response teams and local authorities continued through the day as heavy rains complicated efforts.
In Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad, a massive rescue operation was underway after a huge garbage mound reportedly collapsed onto an office building, bringing down a concrete slab. Authorities said around 11 people are feared trapped beneath the debris.
Rescue personnel equipped with heavy machinery worked continuously to remove debris while ensuring the safety of those involved in the operation. Continuous rainfall posed additional challenges for the rescue teams.
Gujarat's Surat was among the worst-affected cities as torrential rains inundated residential areas and roads. Officials said at least nine people have died in rain-related incidents across the district over the past few days.
The district administration shifted thousands of residents from vulnerable low-lying localities to safer shelters. Food packets and other essential supplies were distributed to people stranded in waterlogged high-rise residential buildings, while emergency services remained on high alert.
In Himachal Pradesh, moderate to heavy rainfall triggered flash floods that disrupted road connectivity in parts of Shimla district, particularly in the Rampur subdivision.
Officials reported that overflowing streams and landslides affected vehicular movement on several routes, prompting authorities to monitor vulnerable areas closely. Restoration work began wherever weather conditions permitted, while residents were advised to avoid unnecessary travel.
With monsoon activity intensifying across northern, western and central India, disaster management agencies remain on alert. Municipal corporations, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, police and local administrations have been deployed to manage emergencies, evacuate vulnerable residents and restore essential services.
Weather officials have advised people in affected regions to remain indoors during periods of intense rainfall, avoid flooded roads, and stay updated through official weather advisories as the active monsoon system is expected to continue influencing weather conditions over the coming days.
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