Delhi breaks down as heavy rain chokes up road, leaves people in lurch

Inundated roads, choking traffic jams, and people wading through neck-deep water, the national capital of Delhi was left in a mess after the heavy downpour that started at 2 am on the 28th of June.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Delhi received 228 mm of rainfall from 8:30 am on the 27th of June to 8:30 am the 28th of June. This was the highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in June since 1936. At that time, Delhi recorded 235.5 mm of rain.

Though the torrential rain brought much-needed relief from the brutal heatwave, it also highlighted the glaring infrastructural shortcomings of the city.

Early morning visuals showed vehicles stuck on submerged roads and underpasses in the city.

At the Azad Market underpass, a passenger bus broke down, and the commuters were rescued and taken to safer places.

The situation was no different in major intersections like the Dhaula Kuan Flyover, where two to three feet of water accumulated, causing extensive traffic jams.

The Delhi Metro service operations were also affected due to heavy rains, while all departures from the airport terminal were temporarily suspended, and check-in counters were closed as a safety measure.

At least one person was killed and six others injured after a portion of the roof of the Delhi airport's Terminal-1 (T1) collapsed on cars amid heavy rain this morning

While the people of Delhi suffered, a political blame game began between the ruling AAP government and the BJP.

BJP Councillor Ravinder Singh Negi rowed an inflatable boat amid severe waterlogging as a symbolic protest against the Delhi Government.

But, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi countered the BJP's claims by claiming that the situation is far better than the last time.