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Flash floods claim lives of at least 4 people as Delhi records highest 24-hour July rain since 2015, India

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At least four fatalities were reported as flash floods wreaked havoc in Delhi, India, on Sunday, July 19, 2020. The inundations occurred as Safdarjung registered 74.8 mm (2.9 inches)– its highest 24-hour July rain since July 11, 2015.

Many parts of the capital city registered almost 100 mm (3.9 inches) of rainfall early Sunday– the first spell of such intense rains in the region. Delhi Ridge saw 86 mm (3.2 inches), while Lodhi Road recorded 81.2 mm (3.2 inches).

According to the Hindustan Times, with 74.8 mm (2.9 inches) of rain on Sunday, Safdarjung recorded its highest 24-hour July downpour since 2015, when the station recorded 93.8 mm (3.7 inches).

"During the last 24 hours, the Safdarjung observatory of Delhi has recorded [more than] 70 mm (2.7 inches) of rain. Total rainfall during the month of July is now 118 mm (4.6 inches) over Delhi while the monthly average rainfall for July is 187.3 mm (7.4 inches). This is the heaviest 24-hour rain over Delhi after 2015," Skymet Weather noted.

Heavy rains triggered flash flooding that killed at least four people– one of the fatalities was a truck driver, whose body was spotted by a trackman floating in floodwaters under the Minto Bridge.

Another victim died due to electrocution in the Jahangirpuri area. Also among the dead was a child, who was killed at a ghat or flight of steps leading down to a river.

YouTube video

YouTube video

Floodwaters infiltrated low-lying areas, causing property damage as weaker structures gave in to the water pressure. Several shanties collapsed and houses were washed away. Traffic was severely affected by waterlogging on roads.

The city government said it is closely monitoring the situation, with deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia adding that appropriate steps would be taken to cover the losses.

The monsoon trough is lying along the foothills of the Himalayas, and the convergence of moist southerly winds from the Bay of Bengal will continue to bring heavy downpour to the eastern parts of the country, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over isolated parts of Delhi, as well as Punjab and Haryana, until Wednesday, July 22.

Featured image credit: Hindustan Times/YouTube

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