India issues highest-level red alert as heavy rains lash New Delhi

India’s India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued its highest-level red weather alert amid heavy rainfall in the capital, New Delhi, TASS reports.

New Delhi has been hit by heavy rains in recent hours, causing widespread traffic congestion and flooding in several areas. The IMD issued the red alert, forecasting moderate rainfall across much of the country, with some areas expected to see heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Similar weather conditions have affected other parts of India, where the rains have triggered landslides and floods. In Assam, 97 people have died in recent days as a result of weather-related incidents. In the eastern state of Jharkhand, 20 people have been killed by lightning strikes.