Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Wednesday (July 31) night announced that all schools—both government and private—will be closed on Thursday amid heavy rainfall and waterlogging in the national capital. The decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amid challenging weather conditions.
“In light of very heavy rainfall today evening and forecast of heavy rainfall tomorrow, all schools – government and private – will remain closed tomorrow,” Atishi said in a post on X.
Intense rainfall causes waterlogging in Delhi
Intense rainfall in Delhi led to the collapse of several houses in various areas, including one person being trapped in Chandni Chowk’s Sadar Bazar. IMD reported that clouds have converged over the city from all directions. Additionally, vehicles were stranded on flooded roads in several parts of the city.
Waterlogging was reported across several areas, reviving distressing memories of the recent tragedy at a coaching center in Rajinder Nagar, where three students lost their lives due to basement flooding on Saturday. The road where the coaching center is situated has been inundated once more, with recent visuals showing people navigating through waist-deep water.
IMD issues warning and advisory
The India Meteorological Department’s Automatic Weather Station (AWS) network reported that the Pragati Maidan observatory in central Delhi measured 112.5 mm of rainfall in just one hour, which qualifies as a “cloud burst.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has instructed all officers to stay vigilant and address problems in areas susceptible to waterlogging, particularly around locations with coaching centers.