Delhi shuts down schools and offices amid floods

NEW DELHI: Heavy rainfall has caused massive flooding in New Delhi leading the city government to close all educational institutions and advise people to work from home.

According to the India Meteorological Department, the Indian capital has experienced 113% above-average rainfall, with the hilly states in the north contributing to the river’s rising floodwaters.

The official video footages showed submerged roads in the downtown area, where government and private offices were located and other images showed the historical Red Fort submerged due to heavy flooding.

Meanwhile Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal appealed to residents to cooperate and warned of significant disruptions to water supplies. “Water rationing of up to 25% would be implemented due to the closure of water treatment plants,” the CM said.

According to the Indian media, the city government has closed all educational institutions until Sunday, and private institutions have been directed to implement work-from-home policies.

CM Kejriwal told the media that the Yamuna river’s level was expected to peak on Thursday after reaching its highest levels in 45 years.

The media reports said that the neighboring states of Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand have also experienced above-average rainfall during the monsoon season, with some regions recording increases of 105%, 91%, and 22% respectively.