Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has taken the necessary step of ordering the closure of schools in the city on Monday due to heavy rainfall. The incessant downpour has caused severe waterlogging, house collapses, and incidents of tree falls, posing a risk to the safety of students and staff. With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting high-intensity rain for the next two days, precautionary measures have been implemented to ensure the well-being of the citizens.
“In view of the torrential rains lashing Delhi for the last 2 days and warnings from the meteorological department, all schools in Delhi are being closed for a day tomorrow,” Chief Minister Kejriwal announced in a tweet written in Hindi.
The IMD has forecasted thunderstorms with light to moderate intensity rain over Delhi and its adjoining areas. The North-West region of India, including Delhi, has been experiencing this heavy downpour, and the intensity is expected to decrease gradually over the next few days.
In response to the situation, Chief Minister Kejriwal has urged his ministers, the city mayor, and all department officers to actively engage in assessing and addressing the impact of heavy rains. He canceled their Sunday holiday, instructing them to visit the affected areas and coordinate relief efforts.
The aftermath of the rainfall has been disastrous, with incidents reported by the Delhi Fire Service of 15 houses collapsing and one fatality. The heavy rain has caused traffic congestion in various parts of the city, as well as flooding in parks, underpasses, markets, schools, and hospitals.
According to the IMD, Delhi witnessed a record-breaking rainfall of 153 mm within a 24-hour period, recorded at 8:30 am on Sunday. This amount of rainfall is the highest for a single day in July since 1982. The convergence of a western disturbance and monsoonal winds is responsible for this exceptional weather event, resulting in the first instance of “very heavy” rainfall for the season.
The safety and well-being of the residents of Delhi remain a top priority as the city continues to grapple with the consequences of the heavy downpour. The closure of schools aims to protect the students and staff from potential hazards caused by waterlogging, collapsing infrastructure, and fallen trees. Authorities and relief teams are working tirelessly to ensure that affected areas are restored and that necessary support is provided to those in need.
As the rain persists, residents are advised to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to stay safe. Regular updates from the meteorological department and local authorities should be followed to stay informed about any further developments or necessary precautions.
The government and concerned agencies will continue to monitor the situation closely and take proactive steps to mitigate the impact of the heavy rainfall, ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Delhi.
Sources By Agencies
