Heavy rains lash Delhi-NCR, Mumbai and several states; IMD warns of more downpours

Heavy monsoon showers continued to batter several parts of India, disrupting normal life in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Gurugram, Noida and other regions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning that wet weather is likely to persist over the coming days.

In Delhi-NCR, intense rainfall led to widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls, uprooted trees and flight disruptions, marking one of the season's heaviest spells of rain. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Delhi, Noida and Gurugram, forecasting more rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next five days.

Gurugram witnessed severe flooding and traffic congestion, prompting police to advise corporate offices and private establishments to allow employees to work from home to reduce road traffic and ensure public safety. Rescue teams have also been deployed in affected areas.

Meanwhile, Mumbai continued to reel under relentless rainfall. According to IMD data, the Santacruz observatory recorded 1,017.5 mm of rain in the first seven days of July, exceeding the city's total rainfall for the entire month of July last year. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as several low-lying areas remain waterlogged.

The IMD has also issued flash flood risk warnings for parts of Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and several other states in the coming days. Authorities have advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid rivers, waterfalls and flood-prone locations.

With the monsoon intensifying across the country, state administrations and disaster response agencies remain on high alert as they monitor flood-prone regions and continue rescue and relief operations where required.