Heavy Rains Trigger Widespread Alerts in North India
Heavy rainfall has gripped large parts of northern India, forcing authorities to issue multiple weather alerts and advisories. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that intense rain activity will continue over the next two days, impacting Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
In the National Capital Region, Gurugram recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall within just four hours on Monday evening, leading to severe waterlogging and paralysed traffic across major routes. The district remained under an orange alert on Tuesday after schools were advised to conduct classes online and offices were encouraged to allow employees to work from home.
Neighbouring Noida and Ghaziabad also remained under orange warning after overnight rain lashed the twin districts, disrupting normal life.
Red Alerts in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The situation remains more alarming in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where a red alert has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Several hill roads have been blocked, and tourists have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel. Authorities have warned residents and visitors to remain indoors, as fresh landslides are likely in both states with the IMD predicting more rain through September.
Uttarakhand has also reported rising water levels in rivers and streams, while Himachal Pradesh continues to witness flash floods in vulnerable regions.
Punjab, J&K and Chandigarh Brace for Heavy Showers
Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are currently on orange watch, with intermittent rain affecting several districts. In Chandigarh, the administration directed all schools to remain closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
In Jammu, heavy rainfall and landslides prompted the closure of all government and private schools. Authorities stated that safety of students is the top priority, urging institutions to conduct classes online wherever possible.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria is scheduled to visit flood-affected districts between September 2 and 4. His tour includes Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, and Sri Anandpur Sahib, where heavy rains have left several villages inundated.
Yamuna Crosses Danger Mark in Delhi
In Delhi, heavy rainfall pushed the Yamuna river above its danger level of 205.33 meters, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert. Evacuation operations are underway in low-lying areas near the riverbanks as visuals showed the river swelling rapidly after two days of consistent rain.
The Delhi government has warned residents of possible flooding in vulnerable colonies and urged citizens to stay prepared for emergency relocation. Relief camps have been set up in select areas for displaced families.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
Due to rising water levels in Yamuna, Old Iron Bridge will remain closed for traffic & public movement w.e.f. 02.09.2025, 04:00 PM till further orders.
đź“Ť Traffic to be diverted via Hanuman Setu, Raja Ram Kohli Marg & Geeta Colony Road
đź“Ť Avoid Old Iron Bridge… pic.twitter.com/BmXJNnumVJ— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) September 2, 2025
Traffic Chaos and Advisory for Commuters
The downpour has severely disrupted traffic across Delhi and adjoining cities. The Delhi Traffic Police issued a detailed advisory, cautioning commuters against using the Old Iron Bridge (Loha Pul), which has been shut from 4 pm Tuesday until further notice due to rising water levels in the Yamuna.
Key traffic diversions have been announced:
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Traffic from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Old Delhi Railway Station, and Red Fort is being rerouted via Hanuman Setu to Outer Ring Road.
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Vehicles from Rajghat and Shanti Van are diverted through Shanti Van Chowk towards Raja Ram Kohli Marg.
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From northeast Delhi areas such as Shahdara and Seelampur, traffic is moving via Pushta Road and Raja Ram Kohli Marg.
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Vehicles from east Delhi, including Mayur Vihar and Akshardham, are being diverted via Geeta Colony flyover towards Ring Road.
The advisory also asked commuters to use public transport as much as possible, avoid roadside parking, keep extra travel time in hand, and immediately inform police in case of any suspicious or unusual activity.
Bengal Fishermen Warned Against Venturing into Bay
Meanwhile, the IMD has also issued warnings for West Bengal fishermen, advising them not to venture into the Bay of Bengal until Wednesday. The southern coastal belt is expected to receive heavy rain and strong winds, making sea conditions unsafe.
Outlook for Coming Days
With the monsoon still active, the IMD has cautioned that rainfall intensity will remain high across north India for at least two more days. While some states are already battling floods and landslides, urban centres like Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida are grappling with waterlogging and severe traffic congestion.
Authorities have appealed to citizens to stay alert, follow advisories, and restrict travel to essential needs until the situation improves.
