This monsoon's second heavy rainfall in the capital flooded several roads and low-lying areas Tuesday after drains got choked, causing massive traffic pile ups all across the city.
The otherwise welcome afternoon showers brought some respite to people reeling under hot and humid weather. The city received 43.8 mm of rainfall in an hour, bringing down the day temperature by several degrees.
However, civic facilities simply crumbled in many areas, particularly in south Delhi and the more populous east Delhi.
Delhi Mayor Kanwar Sain admitted to IANS that there were problems.
"We have been cleaning the drains and desilting storm water channels. Still there are reports of water logging especially in low lying areas. We have deployed teams in places were there are problems.”
Thousands of people were stuck in serpentine traffic jams as traffic signals snapped due to heavy rains. Arterial roads saw huge water logging.
According to Delhi Traffic Police, scores of vehicles broke down on water logged roads after rain water entered their engines.
“Many roads were under knee deep water. Even hours after rains ended, roads were still under water because the drains were chocked. The traffic lights are not working in many areas,” said a traffic policemen deployed near Moti Bagh.
Rain water seeped into many houses in south and east Delhi.
“Delhi's civic facilities are not equipped to handle even an hour's rainfall," complained Sarita Singh, a resident of Moti Bagh area in south Delhi.
Roads simply caved in some parts of the city, leaving motorists bitter and furious.
“The situation clearly shows how well is Delhi prepared for the Commonwealth Games," said Vishal Bhatia, who works with an IT company.