Heavy rains that hit Delhi on Friday have not only caused severe flooding and disrupted daily life but also sparked a wave of humor and sarcasm on social media platforms. The downpour, reported to be the heaviest for a single day in June in the last 88 years, brought the national capital to a standstill, with streets inundated, flights suspended at Delhi Airport’s Terminal-1, and widespread power cuts affecting many areas.
Despite the chaos and inconvenience caused by the flooding, Delhiites took to social media to find comic relief in the situation. Memes and sarcastic comments flooded platforms like Twitter, focusing particularly on the recurring flooding of Minto Bridge. A viral video showing a submerged car under the bridge became emblematic, with some netizens humorously dubbing it the “annual vehicular sacrifice,” humorously indicating the arrival of the monsoon season.
One user quipped that the weather department “doesn’t consider it a proper rain until a car gets stuck under Minto Bridge,” while another suggested that the bridge should have its “own live feed on YouTube” during the monsoon months. These reactions underscored the resilience and wit of Delhi residents in coping with the challenges posed by the monsoon rains.
However, amidst the humor, the flooding caused significant issues for many residents. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reported that his house was flooded with a foot of water, resulting in damage to furniture and carpets. He light-heartedly informed his colleagues in Parliament that he might need a boat to commute to work.
Commenting on the situation, X user Kabir Taneja humorously remarked, “People of Delhi observe the annual vehicular sacrifice at Minto Bridge as part of an ancient tradition officially announcing the arrival of monsoon rains in the capital.” Businessman Suhel Seth defended the phenomenon, stating, “Only when Minto Road Bridge gets flooded do we know the monsoons are upon us. It’s the only barometer we have, so stop the criticism please. Am now waiting for the gondolas in Gurgaon.”
Minto Bridge, originally named Shivaji Bridge and built in 1933, connects Connaught Place to the Ajmeri Gate side of New Delhi Railway Station. Over the years, it has gained notoriety for being submerged after heavy rains almost without fail, becoming a symbol of Delhi’s monsoon experience.
In addition to the flooding at Minto Bridge, other parts of Delhi also experienced waterlogging, traffic disruptions, power outages, and fallen trees due to the intense rainfall. Social media users shared images and videos highlighting these challenges, often juxtaposing them with global comparisons such as Singapore’s renowned indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport.
While the rains brought humor and challenges in equal measure, they also served as a reminder of Delhi’s seasonal struggle with monsoon weather patterns. As the city navigates through the aftermath of this deluge, the resilience and resourcefulness of its residents continue to shine through amidst the floods and the jokes.
Sources By Agencies
