Delhi-NCR Reels: Rain Fury Submerges Hopes, Damages Dussehra Spectacle, One Feared Lost

A deluge of unprecedented intensity unleashed chaos across Delhi-NCR on Saturday, transforming bustling streets into churning rivers and casting a dark shadow over the vibrant Dussehra celebrations just hours away. The relentless downpour, far from being a mere shower, brought life to a grinding halt, leaving a trail of destruction and a pall of gloom over the festive season.

Perhaps the most tragic incident unfolded in Noida, where a car became fully submerged in a waterlogged underpass.

Authorities are frantically searching for one occupant who is feared drowned, adding a heart-wrenching dimension to the widespread disruption. Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror as the vehicle disappeared beneath the rising waters, prompting an immediate, desperate rescue operation that continued late into the evening.

The heavy rains delivered a devastating blow to the meticulously crafted Ravana effigies across the region.

Sculptors, who had toiled for weeks to bring these colossal figures to life for the symbolic burning on Dussehra, watched helplessly as their creations succumbed to the elements. Numerous effigies, some still in various stages of completion and drying, either collapsed under the weight of the water or were rendered sodden and irreparable.

From Dwarka to Mayur Vihar and across parts of Ghaziabad, the sight of fallen or drenched Ravanas served as a stark, visible testament to the rain's fury, dampening the spirit of a festival meant to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Beyond the immediate festive setback, the entire Delhi-NCR region grappled with pervasive waterlogging.

Key arterial roads in Gurugram, Noida, and other urban centres became impassable, trapping commuters in hours-long traffic snarls. Vehicles waded through knee-deep water, while pedestrians navigated submerged sidewalks, transforming daily commutes into arduous ordeals. The infrastructural strain was palpable, with civic services struggling to cope with the sheer volume of water.

Adding to the misery, widespread power outages plunged several localities into darkness, further exacerbating the discomfort for residents already battling the elements.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a 'yellow alert' for Saturday, indicating heavy rainfall, but the extent of the impact still caught many off guard. While the rains brought a welcome dip in temperatures, the cost in terms of disruption, damage, and potential loss of life has been profoundly high.

As Dussehra approaches, the region faces not just a clean-up operation, but a moment of reflection on the sudden, powerful forces of nature.