Delhi schools to remain shut today as national capital receives heavy rains, witnesses waterlogging

The Delhi government has announced that all schools will remain shut on Thursday

"In light of very heavy rainfall today evening and forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools - government and private - will remain closed tomorrow," Education Minister Atishi said in a post on X.

At least 10 flights headed for Delhi have been diverted after the national capital witnessed heavy rains Wednesday evening, media reports said.

The weather office said around 7 pm that clouds had converged over the city "from all four sectors" and the rain was expected to last for two hours.

Waterlogging was reported from several parts of the city, bringing back memories of the flooded basement at a coaching centre in Rajinder Nagar on Saturday in which three students were killed.

The road on which the coaching centre is located has been flooded again and visuals from the area show people wading through knee-deep water. 

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said he has asked all officers to remain alert and address issues in sites prone to waterlogging, including areas where coaching centres are located. 

“Have cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people in general, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centres,” Saxena posted on X.

Heavy waterlogging in several places led to long traffic jams such as at the Income Tax Office (ITO) junction, Connaught Place, Minto Road and the Moti Bagh flyover.

The pass under the Minto Bridge has been shut and videos from Chandni Chowk showed shopkeepers' wares floating in the water that has been accumulated in the area.

The India Meteorological Office posted on X that Delhi would witness light to moderate rainfall with isolated intense to very intense spells for two hours.

“Clouds have converged over Delhi from all 4 sectors. Widespread Light/Moderate Rainfall with isolated Intense to very intense Spell (3-5cm/hr) likely over Delhi during next 2 hours,” the weather office's handle said.

Several airlines, including Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet, have issued advisories about flights being diverted or asking passengers to leave early and check the status of their flights.

"The rain gods have decided to shower #Delhi with their blessings tonight. As a result, we're expecting heavy rainfall throughout the night. Check your flight status here https://bit.ly/3DNYJqj," IndiGo posted on X.

Vistara said flight UK998 from Pune to Delhi had been diverted to Lucknow while Air India advised its guests to start early for the airport.