
An 18-year-old man was swept away in an overflowing drain in Delhi's Sarita Vihar area on Saturday evening while returning home from work. Heavy rainfall had caused the drain to overflow, and the teenager lost his footing and was carried away by the strong current.
Local residents alerted authorities, and emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the location. The search for the missing youth continued through the night, with divers and rescue personnel combing the drainage network.
In a separate incident, the body of a man was recovered from a drain in southwest Delhi. Officials said the identity of the deceased has not yet been established, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the death.
It is unclear whether the two incidents are connected, but both have highlighted the dangers posed by open drains during the monsoon season. The civic bodies have faced repeated criticism over inadequate safety measures around such infrastructure.
Delhi has been witnessing intense rainfall over the past few days, leading to waterlogging in several low-lying areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for more rain in the coming days, which could worsen the situation.
The city's drainage system, already under strain, has been overwhelmed in many places. Several roads remain closed due to accumulated water, and commuters have reported long delays. The municipal corporation has deployed pumps to clear water from affected stretches.
As of this report, the search for the 18-year-old is still ongoing. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police are involved in the operation. Officials have not yet confirmed any findings.
Residents in the area have expressed concern about the lack of protective grilles or barriers near the drain, especially in a residential neighbourhood. Some have demanded a thorough audit of such vulnerable spots across the city.
With more rain predicted, authorities are on alert for similar incidents. The Delhi government is expected to review its preparedness and safety protocols in the coming days. The outcome of the search and the identification of the recovered body will be closely monitored.