Waterworld: In Noida And Gurugram, WFH For Offices, Cars Under Water

At least 13 people have been killed and 11 injured in incidents of lightning, and wall and house collapses as heavy rains in parts of Uttar Pradesh affected normal life in Firozabad and forced the closure of schools in Aligarh, news agency PTI reported.

Delhi received 40.8 mm of rainfall between 5.30 pm on Thursday and 8.30 am on Friday as the light to moderate rain drenched Delhi for the third consecutive day today, leading to flooded roads in several areas and affecting traffic movement on key roads across the city.

The weather department has predicted more rains for the national capital on Friday. The minimum temperature in the city was recorded one notch above normal at 22 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature is expected to settle at around 28 degrees Celsius, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a 'yellow alert', cautioning people about moderate rain at most places in the city.

All government and private schools till class 8 across Noida and Greater Noida in Gautam Buddh Nagar will remain closed today due to rains, an official order announced on Thursday. The order was issued following an alert by the weather department warning of heavy rain.

Gurugram administration has advised private and corporate offices to work from home today to ensure repair work of roads and drains are carried out smoothly by civic agencies. The daylong downpour in the millennium city, home to big corporate houses, led to waterlogging, crawling traffic on main roads and the expressway and power outages in several areas.

The authority also advised to close all schools and colleges on Friday in the larger public interest.

According to the district administration, Gurugram on Thursday received 54 mm of rainfall, with Wazirabad receiving the maximum 60 mm. The rainfall in Manesar was recorded at 50 mm, Sohna 43 mm, Harsar 54 mm, Badshahpur 30 mm, Pataudi 20 mm and Farrukhnagar 29 mm till 5 pm.

The fresh spells of rain, just before the withdrawal of monsoon from the National Capital Region, will help cover the large deficit (46 per cent till September 22 morning) to some extent. It would also keep the air clean and the temperature in check.  

The withdrawal of southwest monsoon is declared if there has been no rainfall in the region for five days along with the development of anti-cyclonic circulation and water vapour imagery indicates dry weather conditions over the region.