Delhi-NCR is bracing for more intense rainfall, leading to school closures and heightened flood alerts in the region. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures.
In light of the severe weather, the Ghaziabad district administration has declared a holiday for all schools and educational institutions on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. This decision, impacting institutions from nursery to Class 12, including government, private, CBSE, ICSE, and madrasa board institutions, aims to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst continuous downpours and potential traffic disruptions. Similarly, schools in Noida and Greater Noida will remain closed. Chandigarh has also declared a holiday for all schools on September 3 due to persistent heavy rains. While Noida and Gurugram authorities have not yet announced any blanket school closures, parents are advised to check official district websites or school notices for updates. Gurugram schools have shifted to online classes.
The Yamuna River's water level continues to rise, exceeding the danger mark of 205.33 meters and flowing at 205.68 meters at the Old Yamuna Bridge. The water level reached 206.03 meters on Tuesday. This has triggered flood alerts, with authorities closely monitoring the situation and implementing evacuation plans for low-lying areas. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department issued a flood warning following a discharge of over 3.22 lakh cusecs from Haryana's Hathnikund barrage, the highest of the season. The Delhi government has issued a flood alert as the Yamuna River's water level is likely to cross the danger mark following the release of water from the Hathnikund Barrage.
People living along the Yamuna River have begun evacuating low-lying areas, with officials going door-to-door to alert residents and facilitate their relocation. The Delhi Traffic Police have announced the closure of the Old Iron Bridge for traffic and public movement. Floodwater has already entered houses in the Delhi-NCR region, causing traffic congestion, particularly at the Delhi-Gurugram border. A portion of a road in Delhi's Janakpuri area caved in due to waterlogging.
The IMD forecasts generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain or thundershowers in Delhi-NCR. Temperatures are expected to range between 28°C and 30°C. The weather department has predicted more moderate to heavy rain over the next few days. Delhi has already surpassed 1,000 mm of rainfall for the season, exceeding its annual average rainfall mark of 774 mm.
The situation is reminiscent of the 2023 floods, which inundated several areas and led to the evacuation of over 25,000 people. Authorities are taking all necessary precautions to avoid a similar crisis, with teams on the ground and a commitment to safeguarding every citizen. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has urged people not to panic, emphasizing that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation.
